Recognizing the Common Cough and TB Cough

Coughing is one of the body's reflexes to expel foreign objects that enter the respiratory tract, including bacteria and viruses. In addition to interfering with daily activities, a prolonged cough is one of the symptoms that we must be aware of.
A prolonged cough can be a sign that there is a problem with the respiratory tract. One of the diseases that cause coughing complaints is tuberculosis or usually called tuberculosis. This disease is caused by a bacterial infection called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which is transmitted through droplets that come out along with coughs or sneezes of people who have been infected with TB.

TB is a dangerous disease that can be cured if treated properly, regularly and disciplined. Complaints of tuberculosis cough and ordinary cough are certainly different. Therefore, it is important for you to recognize the difference between a normal cough and a TB cough by reading the reviews below.

1. Different Causes.
TB is a condition caused by infection with the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In addition to the lungs, these bacteria can attack other organs in the body such as the lymph nodes, spine, lining of the brain, to the digestive tract.
In addition, this disease is very easily transmitted through the air exposed to bacteria. Transmission will be more prone to occur if people with TB do not cover their mouths properly when coughing or sneezing.
Meanwhile, a common cough is generally caused by other bacterial infections, viruses, asthma, allergies, or irritation in the respiratory tract.

2. Duration of Cough
One of the most obvious differences between a TB cough and a regular cough is the duration or duration of the cough.
TB cough usually lasts > 2 weeks.
Meanwhile, a normal cough can last for a short time or a few days and usually goes away on its own, depending on the cause.
3. Sputum Color
As with coughing, phlegm or mucus in the respiratory tract is something that is physiological or a normal body mechanism.
Mucus aims to moisturize and smooth the respiratory tract so that it is not easily contaminated with dust, bacteria, viruses, and others and facilitates the mechanism of cleaning the respiratory tract.
The characteristics of a TB cough are usually yellowish or green and thick phlegm due to the infection and inflammation process by the bacteria causing it. In some cases, TB cough can be accompanied by blood spots. While the usual cough phlegm tends to be clear or white and watery or not too thick.

4. Stages of Cough Appearance
The stage of onset of cough can be the difference between a TB cough and a regular cough. A common cough generally appears suddenly, then disappears quickly within a few days.
Meanwhile, TB sufferers go through two stages after being infected, namely the initial stage and the active stage. In the early stages, bacteria have entered the lungs, but have not caused complaints and have not been transmitted because the bacteria have not been active.
When entering the active stage, the patient will experience complaints such as a severe cough. At this stage, TB disease can be transmitted to other people.
Well, the time to increase from the initial stage to the active stage varies, depending on the immune system of each individual. Some take only a few weeks, some take years.
5. Treatment Time
Tuberculosis is curable. However, it is important for patients to take all medicines regularly and with discipline for 6-8 months or longer depending on the presence or absence of other organs that are infected with TB bacteria.
Drug-resistant TB will be more difficult to treat, more expensive, and can be fatal.
The first-line anti-TB drugs that form the core of the treatment regimen are:
• Isoniazid
• Rifampicin
• Ethambutol
• Pyrazinamide
The regimen for treating TB disease consists of an intensive phase of two months, followed by a continuation phase of four or six months (or longer).
Meanwhile, other types of cough treatment will depend on the cause. If the cough is caused by other bacteria, the doctor will usually give antibiotics for 5-14 days depending on the type of bacteria, while if the cause is a virus or allergy, only supportive drugs are given to reduce symptoms.

6. Other Symptoms Appear
The difference between a TB cough and a regular cough can be seen from the accompanying symptoms that appear. Tuberculosis is usually accompanied by other symptoms, while a normal cough is generally not accompanied by other typical symptoms.
Symptoms of TB cough include:
• Fever that comes and goes
• Shiver
•   Night sweats
•  Loss of appetite
• Weight loss drastically
•    Chest pain
•    Hard to breathe

While the accompanying symptoms of a common cough are generally only mild fever, headache or even without accompanying symptoms.

These are some of the differences between a TB cough and a regular cough. If you experience an unusual cough and find symptoms that match the characteristics of a TB cough, immediately consult a pulmonary specialist at Hermina Serpong Hospital, namely dr. Iin Rahmania I, Sp.P