Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

Definition:

                        Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is contagious bacterial infections that primarily affect the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis can also affect other parts of the body but pulmonary TB is the most common form.

Transmission:

                           Airborne transmission occurs through respiratory droplets.

Symptoms:

                             Common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) include:

·      Persistent cough (lasting more than tree weeks)

·      Fever

·      Coughing up blood or sputum

·      Chest pain

·      Fatigue

·      Loss of appetite

·      Weight loss

·      Night sweats

Diagnosis:

                Diagnosis involves a combination of clinical evaluation,medical history, chest X-rays and laboratory test. The most common diagnostic test is the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or the Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA). Confirmation of TB often requites culturing the bacteria from sputum samples.

Treatment:

                             TB is treatable with a combination of antibiotics. The most common drug regimen includes isonized, rifampin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide.Treatment typically lasts for several months and it’s crucial to complete the entire course of medication to ensure complete eradication of the bacteria and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains.