Tuberculosis (TB) is a global problem. The first part of the problem is diagnosing it. The second part of the problem is proper and complete treatment
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium (myco-bacterium tuberculosis). Typically it develops in the lungs but can attack other parts of the body.
How Is Tuberculosis Transmitted?
Tuberculosis (TB) is transmitted through the air. The simple act of an infected person coughing, sneezing, talking or spitting, releases the germ into the air. A person inhaling the germ-tainted air can become infected.
There is a distinction between being infected with the germ and contracting the disease. A healthy individual with the germ in their body is protected by their body's defense system. Healthy individuals have what is known as latent TBI. As long as they remain in good health, their body will continue to protect them.
However as with most diseases, those individuals with compromised/weakened immune systems are more susceptible to full-fledged symptoms from the disease. A healthy individual infected with the germ will not spread the germ only those who are sick with the disease spread the germs.
According to the American Lung Association, repeated exposure is required to contract the disease. "It is not easy to become infected with tuberculosis. Usually a person has to be close to someone with TB disease for a long period of time." 1 They also advise that it is usually spread between members of the same family or friends who work and/or live together. Additionally, contrary to the current fear, it is rare that the disease is transmitted through airplane exposure, although not impossible.
What are Symptoms of Tuberculosis?
A person with tuberculosis may have all or some of the following symptoms:
- Prolonged cough that just wont go away
- Constant fatigue
- Blood when expectorating
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
How is Tuberculosis Treated?
Tuberculosis is treated by the use of drugs and may take from 9 months to a year to fully kill the bacteria. It is imperative that treatment not be interrupted. Many patients feel that they are cured after symptoms disappear (usually within two weeks), and may not faithfully continue the drug regimen until the bacteria is completely eradicated. As a result they discontinue treatment, which only adds to the mounting problem of drug resistant strains of TB.
Discontinuing treatment before the bacteria is killed only creates a mutated more drug resistant strain of the bacteria (DR-TB), making it even more difficult for the medical community to eradicate the disease. The DR-TB requires an even longer treatment regimen of at least 18 to 24 months. The treatment is not only longer, but more expensive and in many cases requiring hospitalization for long periods of time.
TB and the drug resistant strain is a global problem. According to a 2005 report by the World Health Organization, "DR-TB is a particularly pressing emergency in Eastern Europe and Central Asia, but it is on the march in Africa, and because of globalization, is also a growing threat to rich countries."2
For more information about Tuberculosis and its far-reaching local and global implications, visit the following:
Running out of Breath - TB Care in the 21st Century
Related Article:
Patient Care: Is Your Loved One Being Properly Treated?
