6 warning signs of pulmonary tuberculosis and how to prevent it.

Active tuberculosis (TB) accounts for over 80% of TB cases. In this case, the patient's sputum test shows the presence of TB bacteria, making them a source of TB transmission to those living around them. For individuals suspected of having TB, if a direct sputum smear test reveals TB bacteria, the patient is diagnosed with AFB(+) pulmonary TB, and conversely, AFB(-) pulmonary TB.

Extrapulmonary tuberculosis is not contagious to others. It includes various types such as pleural tuberculosis, lymph node tuberculosis, meningeal tuberculosis, bone and joint tuberculosis, peritoneal tuberculosis, genitourinary tuberculosis, and intestinal tuberculosis.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a dangerous infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB), which can be fatal to patients. (Illustration: Internet)

People who are at risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis:

• A polluted environment with a lot of dust and humidity creates favorable conditions for tuberculosis bacteria to grow and cause disease. Contact with people with pulmonary tuberculosis or waste containing tuberculosis bacteria can lead to infection.

• Consuming food contaminated with tuberculosis bacteria, or eating pets infected with tuberculosis, can also lead to tuberculosis infection.

People with weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of developing active tuberculosis bacteria. For example, people with HIV have more difficulty controlling tuberculosis bacteria, so they have a 20-30% higher risk of developing tuberculosis compared to people without HIV.

According to statistics, approximately 8% of tuberculosis cases worldwide are linked to smoking.

Some people have other medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, malnutrition, or kidney disease. Additionally, those undergoing cancer treatment or using stimulants or drugs are at a higher risk of developing pulmonary tuberculosis.

Symptoms of the disease:

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

In particular, coughing up blood requires immediate medical attention because it can be a symptom not only of tuberculosis but also of many other diseases such as pneumonia, bronchitis, lung cancer, bronchial cancer, abscesses, or cardiovascular diseases, high blood pressure, and blood clotting disorders.

If you experience fever along with other symptoms such as coughing up blood or phlegm, you should see a doctor and get tested for tuberculosis as soon as possible. (Illustrative image)

2. Chest pain, shortness of breath:This is an easily recognizable symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

3. Weight loss, weakness:Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis also experience weight loss, becoming thin and weak.

4. Fever:Fever is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis; it can be unusually high, but in most cases, it is a mild fever that subsides in the afternoon.

If you experience fever along with other symptoms such as coughing up blood or phlegm, you should see a doctor and get tested for tuberculosis as soon as possible.

5. Set a trap to scare off thieves:The most easily recognizable symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis is night sweats.

6. Loss of appetite, fatigue:Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis may also experience loss of appetite and constant fatigue.

• WAYS TO PREVENT THE DISEASE

  To prevent pulmonary tuberculosis, parents should vaccinate their children with the BCG vaccine. (Illustration: Internet)

  • - Administer the BCG vaccine to children.

  • - Wear a face mask when going outside or when in contact with people who have pulmonary tuberculosis.

  • - Cover your mouth when sneezing, and wash your hands frequently.

  • - Do not share personal items, such as bowls and chopsticks, with sick people.

  • - Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis can avoid infecting others by not sharing a room with others, avoiding crowded places, etc.

  • - Do not smoke.