Understanding Tuberculosis: Symptoms, Treatment, and Prevention
What is Tuberculosis? Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis , primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other organs. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a major global health concern, with millions of new cases reported each year. Symptoms of Tuberculosis TB can be categorized into two types: latent TB (where the bacteria remain dormant without causing symptoms) and active TB (where symptoms appear and can spread the disease). Common symptoms include: Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks Coughing up blood or mucus Chest pain Unexplained weight loss Fever and night sweats Fatigue and weakness Loss of appetite How is Tuberculosis Diagnosed? Early detection is crucial for effective treatment. Diagnosis typically involves: Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) : A small amount of TB protein is injected under the skin to check for a reaction. Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) : Blood tests that detect TB...