Recognize the Symptoms of TB Disease early

Symptoms of TB are not only coughing, but can vary depending on which part of the body is infected. Therefore, it is important to recognize the symptoms of TB as a whole, so that this disease can be anticipated as early as possible.

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium spreads through the air from person to person. So, when TB sufferers cough, sneeze or spit, people who are nearby may inhale these bacteria and become infected.

TB bacteria generally develop in the lungs, but these bacteria can also attack various other organs in the body, such as lymph nodes, kidneys, spine, brain and nerves, joints and bones, through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. This condition is more common in people whose immune systems are weak.

Symptoms of TB disease

TB bacteria that grow in the lungs can cause several symptoms of the disease, such as:

• Persistent cough that lasts longer (more than 2-3 weeks)
• Bleeding cough
• Chest pain when breathing or coughing
• Hard to breathe

In addition, the symptoms of TB can also be:

• Weight loss
• Limp
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats
• No appetite

When TB occurs outside the lungs, the signs and symptoms that occur can vary according to the infected organ. The following are examples of symptoms of tuberculosis outside the lungs:

• Back pain in spinal tuberculosis
• Bloody urine in kidney tuberculosis
• Swollen lymph glands when exposed to tubercular glands
• Stomach ache if you have intestinal TB
• Headaches and seizures when exposed to tuberculosis of the brain
• Bone and joint pain, so as not to be able to move, when the TB bacteria attacks the bones and joints

TB bacteria can attack anyone, especially in Indonesia which is included in the TB endemic area. However, people with a healthy immune system are able to fight the TB bacteria well, so that the symptoms of TB disease do not appear even though the bacteria is in the body. This condition is called latent TB.

Whereas people with weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV / AIDS, diabetes, severe kidney disease, or malnutrition, are more prone to active TB, which is a TB bacterial infection that causes various symptoms of TB disease as described above.

Efforts to Prevent TB Symptoms

The following are some ways to prevent the symptoms of TB disease:

1. BGC vaccine

If you have never had tuberculosis and have never had a BCG vaccine as a child, you can get this vaccine to prevent TB. However, of course, after you consult with your doctor first.

2. Healthy lifestyle

If you do not have any symptoms or have been declared cured of TB, always apply a healthy lifestyle to strengthen the immune system, so that the risk of TB disease recurrence decreases.

3. TB-preventing antibiotics

If you are diagnosed with latent TB, you may be given TB prevention antibiotics for 9 months. Take all medications regularly until the treatment period is complete, so that the TB bacteria do not become active and contagious.

What if I Have Symptoms of Tuberculosis?

If you experience symptoms of TB disease or are diagnosed with active TB, you have the responsibility to prevent the spread of this disease. Limit your contact with others and wear a surgical mask when you are around other people. In addition, close your mouth when laughing, sneezing, or coughing.

Taking antituberculosis drugs (OAT) regularly can overcome the symptoms of TB disease. However, that does not mean you can stop taking this drug after the symptoms subside. Drug consumption must be continued until it is complete, according to doctor's instructions.

Most TB cases can be treated completely, especially if the doctor detects the symptoms of TB disease early. If treated late, this disease can cause serious complications, such as permanent lung damage.

Therefore, consult a doctor immediately if you experience symptoms of tuberculosis as mentioned above, to get the right treatment.