Tuberculosis can affect any part of our body except one or two places. However, the symptoms of tuberculosis do not appear when the tuberculosis germ enters the body. If our body has good immunity, it can be seen that the body can resist it and an immunity is created against it. Tuberculosis is a disease that we have to prevent by all possible strategies. Every year, about one point seven billion people are infected with tuberculosis all over the world. Out of them, one point seven million die.
This tuberculosis disease is caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs. However, tuberculosis can affect any part of our body except one or two places. For example, the intestines, spine, brain, kidneys, skin, lymph nodes, etc. are common. Again, many times, tuberculosis can spread throughout the body. However, the symptoms of tuberculosis do not appear when the tuberculosis germ enters the body. If our body has a good immune system, it can be seen that the body can fight it and an immunity is created against it. One thing everyone should know is that the tuberculosis germ can be dormant or inactive in our body for a long time.
If our immune system is reduced for any reason, such as uncontrolled diabetes, those infected with HIV, undergoing cancer treatment or using steroid drugs, it may be seen that this germ can suddenly become active. If you suffer from cough for more than three weeks, along with fever, especially if the fever comes in the afternoon, along with loss of appetite, and weight loss, then seek medical attention very quickly. Or at least check whether there are tuberculosis germs in the sputum.
Along with lung TB, there is gland TB. There are small glands called lymph nodes in our body around the neck, armpits or groin and these can be affected by TB very commonly. This is called tuberculosis lymphadenitis. These glands then swell, become painful, and may also become abscess-like. In the case of intestinal TB, abdominal pain, diarrhea, loss of appetite, weight loss, etc are common.
When TB is in the spine, the affected area may swell and hurt. If the lower part of the spine is affected, then both legs may become paralyzed. When TB is in the brain, it is seen that there is fever, headache, convulsions, neck stiffness or, if it is more severe, the patient may become unconscious.
The symptoms of the disease appear based on the part of our body that the TB germ is affecting. However, it is always seen that mild fever which usually comes in the afternoon, weight loss, loss of appetite are common symptoms. So, if someone is suffering from these symptoms for a long time, then you should seek medical help very soon. At present, TB is such a disease that if we can make a proper diagnosis, then it is a completely curable disease.
If someone takes medicine regularly for six months, then he can get cured completely. However, in some cases, such as in the case of TB in the lymph node, spine or brain, long-term medicine is required and this medicine is also being given to us by the government free of cost. Despite all this, we are not able to control tuberculosis completely. The reason for this is our lack of awareness.
Stopping the medicine as soon as we feel a little better after starting the medicine, not taking the medicine for the full period, not coming for regular follow-up, ignoring the symptoms, for these reasons, the biggest threat to tuberculosis control at present is MDR TB or multi-drug resistance TB. When conventional medicines cannot destroy the TB germs, then MDR TB diagnosis is made.
Even after taking medicine regularly for about twenty-two months, this disease may not be cured completely. However, the good news is that at present, many advanced medicines have been discovered for this, MDR TB or other TB. All that is needed is to be patient and take the medicines regularly.
Tuberculosis is a disease that if we do not treat it properly or if we do not take the full course of treatment, then various complications can occur, even death. So, to control a terrible disease like tuberculosis, let us be aware, careful and help the government in this regard. Maybe a day will come when not a single life will be lost to tuberculosis. Let us be aware. Thank you.
