6 warning signs of tuberculosis and how to prevent it

Pulmonary tuberculosis (active tuberculosis) accounts for more than 80% of tuberculosis cases. In this case, the patient's sputum test shows tuberculosis bacteria, which is the source of pulmonary tuberculosis transmission to people living around. For people suspected of having pulmonary tuberculosis, when direct sputum test shows tuberculosis bacteria, the patient is diagnosed with AFB (+) pulmonary tuberculosis and vice versa, AFB (-) pulmonary tuberculosis.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis does not pose a risk of infecting others. It includes many types such as pleural tuberculosis, lymphatic tuberculosis, meningeal tuberculosis, bone and joint tuberculosis, peritoneal tuberculosis, genitourinary tuberculosis, and intestinal tuberculosis.

Tuberculosis is a dangerous infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), which can easily cause death in patients. Illustration photo: Internet

People susceptible to tuberculosis:

• A polluted environment with lots of dust and humidity is a favorable condition for tuberculosis bacteria to grow and cause disease. Contact with people with pulmonary tuberculosis or waste containing tuberculosis bacteria can cause infection.

• Using food containing tuberculosis bacteria, eating animals infected with tuberculosis can also cause tuberculosis infection.

People with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of developing active tuberculosis. For example, people with HIV have a harder time controlling their tuberculosis and are 20 to 30 percent more likely to develop tuberculosis than people without HIV.

According to statistics, about 8% of tuberculosis cases worldwide are related to smoking.

Some people have other medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, malnutrition, kidney disease. In addition, people undergoing cancer treatment, using stimulants, drugs are at higher risk of tuberculosis.

Symptoms:

1. Cough:Cough is often a symptom of pneumonia, bronchitis, bronchiectasis, lung cancer, but cough lasting more than 3 weeks and not responding to antibiotics should immediately consider pulmonary tuberculosis.

In particular, if you cough up blood, you need to see a doctor immediately because it is not only a sign of tuberculosis but also of many other diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, lung cancer, bronchial abscess or cardiovascular disease, high blood pressure, blood clotting disorders....

If you have a fever accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing up blood, coughing up phlegm... you should go see a doctor and get tested for tuberculosis as soon as possible. Illustrative photo

2. Chest pain, difficulty breathing:This is an easily recognizable symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

3. Weight loss, weakness:People with pulmonary tuberculosis also lose weight, become thin and weak.

4. Fever:Fever is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. It can be unusually high but is mostly a mild fever in the afternoon.

If you have a fever accompanied by other symptoms such as coughing up blood, coughing up phlegm... you need to see a doctor and get tested for tuberculosis as soon as possible.

5. Bait and steal:The most recognizable symptom of tuberculosis is night sweats.

6. Anorexia, fatigue:People with pulmonary tuberculosis may also have symptoms of loss of appetite and constant fatigue.

• DISEASE PREVENTION

  To prevent tuberculosis, parents need to vaccinate their children with BCG. Illustration: Internet

  • - BCG vaccination for children.

  • - Wear a mask when going out or coming into contact with people with tuberculosis.

  • - Cover your mouth when sneezing, wash your hands regularly.

  • - Do not share personal items or dishes with sick people.

  • - People with pulmonary tuberculosis should avoid infecting others by not sleeping in the same room with others, not going to crowded places...

  • - Do not smoke.