Tuberculosis (TB)

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a communicable infection that attacks the lungs and also spread to other body parts, like the spine and brain. Bacteria responsible for causing Tuberculosis (TB) is called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. There are two types of tuberculosis - Latent TB and Active TB

Latent TB - this typically happens when a person has the TB bacteria in their body but in extremely small numbers. They are held under limitation by the body's immune system and do not generate any indications But the infection is still present and can convert into active. Somebody with latent TB infection is not contagious and cannot give TB infection to others.

Active TB - The germs reproduce and make a person sick. A person with active TB is contagious and can spread the disease to others. The majority of active cases in adults come from a latent TB infection.

Tuberculosis Causes

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread by airborne transmission. One can get TB only if he comes in contact with a person who has it. When TB Infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs or sings, he releases tiny droplets containing the germs. If an individual breathes in these germs, they can get it. TB isn’t easy to catch and a person normally will get infected only if he spends a long time around someone with TB.

Tuberculosis Tests and Diagnosis

There are two most standard tests for tuberculosis:

TB Skin Test (TST) - Also referred to as the Mantoux tuberculin skin test involves injecting a small quantity of fluid into the skin of the lower arm. After 2 or 3 days, a healthcare professional will check for swelling in the arm. The outcome depends on the size of the raised, hard area, or swelling. If the test is positive then it means that the person’s body was infected with TB bacteria. Further tests are required to conclude if the person has latent TB infection or TB disease. A negative skin test indicates the person’s body did not respond to the test, and that latent TB infection or TB disease is not present.

Blood Test - also termed as interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), mark the response when TB proteins are mixed with a small amount of blood.

Tuberculosis Treatment

TB treatment varies according to the infection. A person suffering from latent TB will be given medication to eliminate the bacteria so the infection doesn't convert into active. Active TB can be treated with a combination of medicines.

Health Square Kharadis & Allergy Clinic offers exceptional analysis and treatment for numerous pulmonary and respiratory ailments. The clinic has expertise in handling various respiratory diseases like Tuberculosis (TB)