TB Symptoms: For almost three years, COVID-19 remained the largest cause of deaths from any single infectious disease in the world. Between 2020 and 2023, this virus took the lives of about 70 lakh people. But in 2023, this dreadful record again returned to TB. According to WHO, even today about 3,400 people lose their lives due to TB every day, and about 30,000 new people fall prey to this disease, whereas TB is a disease which can be prevented and completely cured with timely identification and treatment.

TB remains a major health problem worldwide, especially in countries where social challenges such as poverty, malnutrition and poor quality of life are severe. TB is an infectious disease, caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease does not spread that easily; out of every 100 people infected with TB bacteria, only 5 to 10 show symptoms or develop the disease. Despite this, it is estimated that about a quarter of the world’s population has at some time or the other come in contact with TB bacteria.

According to Assist360, the biggest problem with TB is its multi-layered nature. Its symptoms resemble those of many other infections, so identification takes time; The treatment is long, in which antibiotics have to be taken for 6 to 9 months. Its germs can exist for a long time in closed, airless places.

How many stages of TB?

If we talk about how many stages it has, then let us tell you that there are 3 stages of this dangerous disease.

exposure

This is the initial stage, when TB germs enter the body. The immune system blocks most of them, but some microscopic bacteria survive and can later develop into a hidden infection (latent TB).

Latent TB

In this stage TB is present in the body but is not active. Symptoms may not be visible, but the bacteria may become active in the future. That means there remains a possibility of developing the disease.

active TB

In this stage, TB germs start growing in the body and symptoms start appearing. This stage is contagious, it spreads to others through small particles spread in the air by coughing or sneezing. If not treated, it can lead to serious problems and even death.

Common symptoms of TB

• persistent cough
• Chest pain
• weakness
• Tiredness
• weight loss
• Fever
• night sweats

Symptoms also depend on which part of the body TB is affecting. TB is most common in the lungs, but it can also affect the liver, brain, spine and skin.

TB treatment

The standard treatment for TB is a course of antibiotics lasting 6 months. Without treatment, the risk of death from TB is about 50 percent, but with proper and complete treatment, about 85 percent of the patients recover completely. If the bacteria do not respond to medicines, it is called drug-resistant TB. Its treatment is difficult, long and requires more medicines. MDR-TB (multi-drug resistant TB) is seen in about 11 to 12 percent of cases, and its success rate is much lower than typical TB. MDR-TB often spreads when patients skip treatment or take medicines incorrectly. In crowded places it can reach others also.

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Disclaimer: This information is based on research studies and expert opinion. Do not consider this as a substitute for medical advice. Before adopting any new activity or exercise, please consult your doctor or relevant specialist.

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