Stay Healthy: What is Tuberculosis BY: Isaiah Tolulope Seyide

BY: Isaiah Tolulope Seyide

Tuberculosis is potentially serious infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs.

The bacteria that cause TB are spread when an infected person coughs or sneezes.                    Tuberculosis is also a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of your body, like your brain and spine.

Once rare in developed countries, tuberculosis infections began increasing in 1985, partly because of the emergence of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens a person's immune system, so it can't fight the TB germs. In the United States, because of stronger control programs, tuberculosis began to decrease again in 1993. But it remains a concern.

    Cause of tuberculosis

TB is caused by a bacteria called "Bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The germs are spread through the air and usually infect the lungs, but can also infect other parts of the body. Although TB is infectious, it does not spread easily. You usually have to spend a lot of time in contact with someone who is contagious in order to catch it.

Who is most at risk of tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis mostly affects adults in their most productive years. However, all age groups are at risk. People at high risk include;1) People who live or work with others who have TB

2)Those who can’t access health care

3)People from other countries where TB is prevalent

4) People who abuse alcohol

5)People who use intravenous drugs

6)People with weak immune systems

7)The elderly etc 

      Types of tuberculosis

1) Active Tuberculosis Disease /Pulmonary Tuberculosis

2)Latent Tuberculosis

 Latent Tuberculosis: This happens when a person has TB bacteria in his or her body, but does not have symptoms of the disease. The infected person's immune system walls off the TB organisms, and the TB remains inactive throughout life in most people who are infected. 

Active Tuberculosis:This describes the person who has signs and symptoms of an active infection. 

     Symptoms of tuberculosis

The following are the most common symptoms of active TB. However, each person may experience symptoms differently.

*Cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer.                   

* Chest pain

*  Fatigue

* Loss of appetite

* Unintended weight loss

* Poor growth in children

*Fever

*Coughing blood or sputum

     Can Tuberculosis be prevented?

Yes it's, if you will be spending time with a person or people with active TB, wear a face mask and try not to stay in a small enclosed space with poor ventilation. People who work in situations where there is a high risk for encountering people infected with TB, such as healthcare workers, should be tested for TB on a routine basis. In our country a childhood vaccine is often given. 

Note: Yes you might be wondering if TB can be cure or treated, "My Dear Yes it can" Tuberculosis can be treated with effective antibiotics, so it's advisable you visit the general hospital.. Remember health is Wealth, stay safe and stay healthy.