Just last 24^th of March, we commemorate World TB Day to raise awareness about the devastating health, social and economic consequences of tuberculosis (TB) and to step up efforts to end the global TB epidemic. It was the day intended to educate the public about the impact of TB around the world. But what makes this disease need so much attention that a day of celebration is even spared for it? 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis that is spread from person to person through the air or through droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine. A person with TB can die if they do not get treatment. The symptoms of TB disease include feelings of sickness or weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. While, TB disease in the lungs symptoms include coughing, chest pain, and the coughing up of blood.

But not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. For this reason, two (2) TB-related conditions exist, and these are latent and active TB.  Latent TB is if you have a TB infection but the bacteria in your body are inactive and cause no symptoms. This is usually called inactive TB and isn’t contagious. But this can turn into active TB if treatment is neglected. An active TB makes you sick which can make a person symptomatic and, in most cases, this can spread to others.

The possible complications that we can get if TB has been left untreated include spinal pain, joint damage, swelling of the membranes that cover your brain (meningitis), liver or kidney problems, heart disorders and etc.

Although TB is contagious, it’s not that easily caught. You are likely to catch it if you get in contact with someone you live with or work with active tuberculosis through droplet transmission. To protect your family, friends, or coworkers from getting sick - stay at home, ventilate the room, cover your mouth and wear a facemask if you have symptoms to help lessen the risk of transmission to others.

To really protect yourself and others from the disease, do follow conscientiously the treatment regimen by continuously taking the medication within the prescribed duration without skipping the doses. Sacrifice and discipline are the 2 major key components to a successful treatment that a person infected with TB has to possess. Be responsible. Treat and protect yourself and your family.

AA VI Angelyn P. Intal, RND

References:

• https://www.cdc.gov/tb/worldtbday/default.htm
• https://www.who.int/campaigns/world-tb-day
• https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/factsheets/general/tb.htm#:~:text=Tuberculosis%20(TB)%20is%20a%20disease,they%20do%20not%20get%20treatment.
• https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/symptoms-causes/syc-20351250