Tuberculosis
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a medical infectious disease with significant potential for severity, primarily targeting the lungs but capable of impacting various other organs like the brain, kidneys, or spine. It stems from the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through airborne transmission when an infected individual coughs or sneezes.
TB can be latent, meaning the bacteria are present in the body but inactive or active, where the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms.
WHAT ARE THE SIGNS?
The symptoms of tuberculosis can differ based on whether the infection is latent or active. In latent TB, symptoms are usually absent, and the infection is non-contagious. However, in active TB, symptoms may manifest as:
- Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
HOW IS TUBERCULOSIS DIAGNOSED?
Diagnosing tuberculosis requires a combination of medical history, physical examination, and various tests. Dr Muhammed Zaid Hoosen, as a specialist physician and pulmonologist, employs several methods to diagnose TB:
- Tuberculin skin test (TST): Also known as the Mantoux test, is a procedure that involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin under the skin and checking for a reaction within 48 to 72 hours.
- Blood tests: Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) measure the body's immune response to the TB bacteria.
- Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can reveal abnormalities in the lungs caused by tuberculosis.
- Sputum tests: Microscopic examination and culturing of the bacteria from sputum samples can confirm the presence of tuberculosis.
- Genetic tests: Molecular techniques such as polymerase chain reaction (PCR) can detect the DNA of the TB bacteria.
HOW DO YOU TREAT TUBERCULOSIS?
Treatment for tuberculosis normally involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. Dr Hoosen tailors treatment plans based on factors such as the type of TB infection, drug susceptibility, and the patient's overall health.
The most common medications used to treat TB include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. Patients with drug-resistant TB may require additional medications and longer treatment durations.
Completing the full course of treatment is essential for patients to prevent the emergence of drug-resistant strains and to secure a favourable outcome.
In some cases, particularly when there are complications such as severe lung damage or drug resistance, surgical intervention may be necessary. Dr Hoosen diligently oversees patients throughout their treatment to evaluate their response to therapy and address any potential side effects or complications.