Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment

by

Introduction to Tuberculosis

I know we all have busy lives, and some of you probably came just to escape work for a bit, but I promise, by the end of this article, you’ll have some really important knowledge about tuberculosis, or TB.

So, what is TB? It’s an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. Now, let me ask you all a question—how many of you have heard about TB? And how many of you actually know someone who had or has TB? That’s exactly why we are here today. This disease is more common than we think.

TB is a global health problem. Millions of people get infected every year, and sadly, many lose their lives because they don’t get diagnosed or treated in time. But here’s the good news—it is preventable and curable! And that’s what we’ll talk about today.

Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Transmission and Treatment

Causes of Tuberculosis

Now, let’s talk about what causes TB. As I said earlier, it’s caused by bacteria. But not everyone who gets infected falls sick. It depends on a few things—your immune system, your environment, and your overall health. If you have a weak immune system, you are more at risk.

Some risk factors include:

Now, who here smokes? Don’t worry, I won’t tell your families! But seriously, smoking increases your risk of TB because it damages your lungs. So, if you needed another reason to quit, here it is!

Transmission of Tuberculosis

TB spreads through the air, just like the HMPV, flu or COVID-19. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even speaks, tiny bacteria-filled droplets are released into the air. If someone breathes them in, they might get infected.

High-risk groups include:

  • People living with someone who has active TB
  • Healthcare workers
  • People with weak immune systems

Here’s a funny but real fact—TB doesn’t spread through shaking hands, hugging, or sharing food. So, if your friend has TB, you don’t need to run away from them. Just make sure they’re getting treated!

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Now, let’s talk about the symptoms. TB can be sneaky—it starts slow and often feels like a regular cough or fever. That’s why many people ignore it until it gets worse.

Common symptoms include:

  • A persistent cough (lasting more than 3 weeks)
  • Coughing up blood
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Fever and night sweats
  • Fatigue

TB can be latent (inactive) or active. Latent TB means the bacteria are in your body, but you’re not sick or contagious. Active TB means the bacteria have woken up and are causing symptoms.

What is the First Sign of Tuberculosis?

The first sign of TB is usually a cough that doesn’t go away. Most of us ignore coughs, thinking it’s just a seasonal flu. But if it lasts more than three weeks, it’s time to visit a doctor. Don’t wait until you start coughing up blood—that’s a serious stage of the disease.

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

So, how do doctors know if someone has TB? There are several tests:

  • Skin test: A small amount of TB protein is injected under your skin to see if you have a reaction.
  • Blood test: Detects TB bacteria in the body.
  • Chest X-ray: Shows if there’s any lung infection.
  • Sputum test: Doctors check your mucus for TB bacteria.

Early diagnosis is important! The sooner you know, the easier it is to treat.

Treatment of Tuberculosis

TB treatment involves taking multiple antibiotics for six months or more. And let me tell you, missing doses is dangerous—it can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is much harder to treat.

Common TB medications include:

  • Isoniazid
  • Rifampin
  • Ethambutol
  • Pyrazinamide

For those who hate taking medicine, I feel you! But skipping meds isn’t an option here. TB can come back even stronger.

Is Tuberculosis Curable?

Yes! TB is curable if you complete your medication. The problem is, many people stop taking their meds once they feel better. Imagine this—if you’re washing clothes and only rinse half of them, will they be clean? No! Same goes for TB treatment—you need to finish the full course.

Tuberculosis Vaccine

Ever heard of the BCG vaccine? It’s given to newborns in many countries to protect against severe TB. However, it doesn’t completely prevent TB in adults. That’s why prevention and early treatment are so important.

Prevention and Control of Tuberculosis

Here’s how we can prevent TB:

  • Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
  • Stay in well-ventilated spaces
  • Eat a healthy diet to keep your immune system strong
  • Get tested if you have symptoms

TB is not just an individual problem—it’s a public health issue. Governments and health organizations are working hard to eliminate TB worldwide. But awareness starts with us!

Conclusion

So, what have we learned today? TB is a serious but curable disease. It spreads through the air but can be prevented with proper care. If you have a cough that lasts over three weeks, get tested!

Let’s spread knowledge, not TB. If you learned something new today, promise me you’ll share it with at least one other person. Because the more we talk about TB, the more lives we can save.

If you have any questions, I’m happy to answer them.

About Author

I’m Ayesha Iqbal, a student studying MBBS at Services Institute of Medical Sciences (SIMS) Lahore. I write about health for “GenZ Cares” because they care a lot about young people staying healthy. I do research and try new things to learn more about how to keep everyone feeling good. My articles focus on topics like nutrition, exercise, mental well-being, and ways to lead a healthier lifestyle. Through my writing, I aim to share valuable insights and practical tips that can make a positive difference in people’s lives.

Reviewed By

This article is reviewed by “Nashit Aliyan“, a certified Surgical Technologist from Government College University Faisalabad under section 2017-2021. I am 17A medical officer as well as Strategic and financial planning expert and Proficient in surgical field. Me and my team use the latest technology to perform complex surgical procedures. I recommend to “GenZ Cares” because they are really hardworking in their work and care a lot about youth to staying healthy.

Leave a Comment