WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY
World Tuberculosis Day is an international event held every year on March 24th to raise awareness of the global epidemic of tuberculosis (TB) and to recognize and celebrate the efforts to eliminate the disease.
This day commemorates the day of the announcement of Dr. Robert Koch in 1882 about his discovery of the bacterium that causes TB, which opened gates to the way for diagnosis and cure of the disease.
World TB Day is also an opportunity to help the public learn about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of TB, and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic.
TB is the world’s leading infectious killer, claiming an count of nearly 1.4 million lives each year, so it is very important that we keep us and our loved ones away and safe from this infection.
TB is also a major cause of death among people living with HIV, and is now the leading cause of death among HIV-positive individuals in many parts of the world.
World TB Day is an opportunity to remind people of the importance of early detection, treatment and prevention, and to call for increased investment in TB research, diagnosis and care.
In addition, World TB Day is a time to celebrate and recognize the progress that has been made in the fight against the disease, including the impressive gains made.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a deadly infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
The major effected by this disease is the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body.
Symptoms of TB
Some visible and common symptoms of TB are –
1. Coughing that produces blood-tinged sputum
2. Chest pain
3. Weakness or fatigue
4. Unexplained weight loss
5. Loss of appetite
6. Chills
7. Fever
8. Sweating, especially at night
9. Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
10. Coughing up mucus or phlegm for weeks or months
Prevention of TB
- Get vaccinated: The BCG vaccine is the most common and effective way to prevent TB.
- Practice good hygiene: Good handwashing, covering your mouth when sneezing and coughing, and avoiding close contact with people who have TB can help to prevent the spread of TB.
- Get tested: If you have symptoms of TB or have been exposed to someone with TB, get tested immediately.
- Eat a healthy diet: Eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits and vegetables can help to boost your immune system and lower your risk of getting TB.
- Avoid smoking: Smoking weakens your immune system and increases your risk of getting TB.
- Avoid alcohol: Excessive alcohol consumption can weaken your immune system and increase your risk of TB.
Treatment for TB
Treatment for tuberculosis (TB) usually involves a combination of several medications that are taken for a long period of time.
The specific medications and length of treatment depend on the type of TB infection and the patient’s overall health.
Some most common and effective medications used to treat TB are
- Isoniazid
- Rifampicin
- Pyrazinamide
- Ethambutol.
In some cases, a doctor may prescribe additional drugs, such as fluoroquinolones, aminoglycosides, and Capreomycin. Treatment typically lasts from six to nine months, although it can last up to two years for people with drug-resistant TB.
In addition to medications, people with TB may need to receive other treatments, such as nutritional support, rest, and oxygen therapy.
And that’s what we have to know about the deadly disease, now share this knowledge to someone to spread awareness and join the battle of overcoming the damage this disease is doing to us.