How to Protect Yourself from a Tuberculosis (TB) Infection?

How to Protect Yourself from a Tuberculosis (TB) Infection?

21 March 2022

What can start as a simple cough, may be a potentially serious disease such as Tuberculosis, leading to an array of medical complications. Tuberculosis is a contagious infection that usually attacks your lungs but can also spread to your brain or spine. It is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. If you observe a cough that has been there for over 3 weeks or any of the accompanying symptoms mentioned in this blog, do visit a hospital near you for a thorough diagnosis immediately.

> Knowing the Types of Tuberculosis

A Tuberculosis infection will not always exhibit symptoms. This is because it may be latent. Active TB manifests as physical symptoms, sometimes even causing fatal medical defects if left untreated.

1. Latent TB: Latent or inactive TB occurs when the bacteria causing the infection is present in your body but your immune system is fighting to limit its spread. It is not contagious and curable with medication. It is important to consult a doctor for a treatment course otherwise it has a chance of turning into active TB.

2. Active TB: Active TB or TB disease causes symptoms and is contagious. It can either occur weeks or years after first being infected with the TB bacteria.

> Identifying the Symptoms a TB infection

While latent TB, as the name suggests doesn't exhibit any symptoms, the signs of active Tuberculosis are as follows:

• Persistent cough (lasts more than 3 weeks)

• Coughing up blood

• Chest pain

• Fever

• Fatigue

• Night sweats/chills

• Unexplained weight loss

• Loss of appetite

> Assessing the Risk Factors of TB

The likeliness of a TB infection increases if:

• A person close to you (friends, family & colleagues) has active TB.

• You’re a health care worker for patients at high risk of TB.

• You’re an active or/& passive smoker.

• You work closely with a group in which TB is more likely to spread. This includes homeless people, people who have HIV, people in prison, and people who inject drugs into their veins.

A healthy immune system is capable of fighting the TB bacteria. Pre-existing/chronic diseases that compromise your immunity, will not protect you from the infection. Some of these medical conditions are:

• HIV/AIDS

• Diabetes

• Severe kidney disorder

• Head and neck cancers

• Poor nutrition

• Certain organ transplant medications

Babies are also highly susceptible to catching the TB infection because their immune systems aren’t fully developed to fight it off.

Understanding the Diagnosis & Treatments Available

The medically recommended ways to diagnose tuberculosis are:

1. TB Skin Test: It is the most commonly used diagnostic tool where a small amount of tuberculin is injected just below the skin on the inside of your forearm. Within 48 to 72 hours, a healthcare professional will check your arm for swelling at the injection site. If you exhibit a hard, red bump means you're likely to have TB infection. But this test may not always be conclusive hence it is recommended to be taken along with supporting tests such as blood & sputum cultures.

2. Blood Tests: These tests help determine your immune system's reaction to TB bacteria.

3. Imaging Tests: A positive skin test requires further testing in the form of imaging. A chest X-ray or a CT scan will be done to determine changes that the TB bacteria may have caused in your lungs

4. Sputum Tests: Samples of your sputum (mucus from cough) are taken to test for the TB bacteria. This is done if your chest X-ray shows signs of tuberculosis and helps the doctor determine the right medication for you, in case of drug-resistant strains of TB.

TB can be treated with medication prescribed by a doctor. The length of the course of the drugs prescribed and what kind will depend on a patient’s age, overall health, if the TB is drug resistant and where the site of TB infection is in your body. However it is important to complete the dose prescribed otherwise the bacteria may become active and multi-drug resistant making it much more difficult to treat it.

> Learning Preventive Measures for Tuberculosis

Curbing the spread of the infection can be achieved in a few simple steps:

1. Be mindful of your surroundings: TB spreads through droplets in the air caused by coughing or sneezing by an infected person. Ensure that you-

• Create good ventilation in your house

• Flood your house with natural sunlight as UV kills the TB bacteria

• Practice good hygiene such as washing your hands frequently and covering your mouth and nose with a tissue when coughing or sneezing.

2. Strengthening your immune system: It is observed that around 60% of adults with a healthy immune system are able to fight off the TB bacteria without adverse medical complications. You can strengthen your immunity by-

• Eating a balanced diet rich in fresh fruits & vegetables

• Exercising regularly

• Maintaining a healthy weight

• Quit smoking

• Controlling alcohol consumption

• Getting adequate sleep

3. Vaccinations: BCG vaccine is the government approved vaccine to fight Tuberculosis. It is given after a few days to 6 months of birth. It is estimated to be 80% effective against the TB bacteria and is potent against more complex forms of TB in children.

A.J. Hospital & Research Centre, Mangalore,  specialises in 30+ medical divisions, providing quality healthcare to all for over two decades. Have any health concerns that you wish to be answered by our experts, do drop us an email at hr@ajhospital.in.