What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the oldest infectious diseases that has existed throughout the history of human civilization and is still an important public health problem in the world to this day.

TB is a disease that is transmitted through the air (Airborne Disease). Transmission is through particles that can be carried by the air, called droplets. Droplets have aerodynamic properties, meaning they can enter the respiratory tract. If a small number of TB germs enter, the immune system can fight it, but if a large number of TB germs enter, the TB germs can survive and reproduce and the immune system cannot control it, so it can cause symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath.

TB is a serious disease that can generally attack the lungs. The germ that causes TB is a type of bacteria. TB will spread easily where people gather in crowds or where people live in crowded conditions. People with HIV/AIDS and other people with weakened immune systems have a higher risk of contracting TB than people with normal immune systems.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis

The most common type of TB is pulmonary TB. However, this bacteria can also attack other parts of your body (extra pulmonary TB).

Pulmonary TB is divided into two types, namely

New case: Never received OAT (anti-tuberculosis drugs) or has ever taken OAT with a total dose of less than 28 days
Cases that have been treated for TB
- Relapse case: the case has been declared cured/completely treated and diagnosed again with TB
- Failed treatment cases: cases that have been treated with OAT and were declared to have failed the last treatment
- Drug withdrawal cases: cases whose treatment has been interrupted for at least 2 consecutive months

Symptoms of Pulmonary Tuberculosis

TB can be confirmed based on clinical symptoms, physical examination, bacteriological examination, radiology and other supporting examinations

Clinical symptoms

Cough with phlegm ≥ 2 weeks
Additional symptoms
Coughing up blood
Shortness of breath
Body weakness
Decreased appetite
Unintentional weight loss
Sweating at night without physical activity
Fever for more than one month
Chest pain

Pulmonary TB Treatment

TB treatment can be carried out in health services such as clinics, health centers or hospitals. TB treatment can be done by treating active and inactive tuberculosis with certain types of antibiotics. TB treatment can be started by carrying out an examination and consulting a doctor first and then getting medication (OAT) to be consumed for a long time, up to several months.

Goals of TB treatment

1. Heal the patient

2. Prevent death or disability

3. Prevent recurrence

4. Reduce the risk of TB transmission

5. Prevent resistance to drugs

Symptoms of tuberculosis are similar to those of various diseases. See your healthcare provider if you have symptoms that do not improve after a few days of rest.

When Should You See a Doctor?

Get emergency treatment if Hermina's friends experience the following conditions or symptoms:

Chest pain.
Sudden, severe headache.
Confusion.
Seizures.
Difficulty breathing.
Coughing up blood.
There is blood in your urine or stool.

If Hermina's friends have ever had TB, Hermina's friends should immediately consult a health care provider to get tested if they experience symptoms. so that there is no chance of transmitting TB to other people.

Reference :
Guidelines for the Diagnosis and Management of Tuberculosis. Indonesian Lung Doctors Association (PDPI) 2021
Cleveland Clinic (2022) https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/11301-tuberculosis
Mayo Clinic (2021) https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/

Coughing with Phlegm for More than 2 Weeks? TB alert!