Infectious diseases can jeopardize one’s health. At present and globally, we are combating the dual burden of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) and the tuberculosis pandemic. Both diseases show similar symptoms, however, tuberculosis has a longer incubation period with slower onset of disease.
Tuberculosis widely known as TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis that attacks any part of the body, but the most and often affected are the lungs.
To educate the public on the devastating effect of TB particularly on health, the National TB Day is commemorated yearly on 19 August. TB remains the deadliest infectious disease worldwide. Globally, 1.4 million die due to TB and 10 million are ill that affects 1.2 million children (World Health Organization, 2019). In 2019, the Philippines was among the eight (8) countries worldwide which account for two-thirds of the total TB cases.
Tuberculosis is curable and preventable but with the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, access to health care services for TB patients is hampered, putting them at greater risk. During the advocacy event in observance of World TB Day last 24 March 2021, Department of Health (DOH) Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said that the pandemic caused massive health and economic impacts, even affecting TB response. In the same event, Secretary Duque invited everyone to work together in getting back the TB response on track.
Along with the course of six months of four (4) antimicrobial drugs to treat tuberculosis, TB patients must also have good nutrition to boost and strengthen their immune system. Commonly, the person with active TB loses weight due to lack of appetite, abdominal pain and nausea that may lead to undernutrition, which in turn, can worsen TB.
To promote good nutrition, the Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in collaboration with the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and DOH developed the Pinggang Pinoy. It is an easy-to-understand food guide to help Filipinos acquire healthy eating habits and attain optimum nutrition. This healthy food plate shows the recommended proportion of each food group on a per-meal basis.
Aside from a balanced diet, TB patients must avoid alcohol drinking for it will add to the burden of the disease. Likewise, it may hinder ongoing treatment and increase the risk of drug toxicity. Also, experts reported that alcohol abuse increases the risk of contracting TB by threefold.
In addition, cigarette smoking impairs response to TB treatment and increases the risk of relapse. Smoking is a well-known risk factor for lung diseases such as lung cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
Once recovered, TB patients are encouraged to be physically active. It will help improve appetite, boost immunity and aid in the healing process. They must engage in at least 30 minutes of physical activity a day or 150 minutes a week.
To safeguard ourselves against any diseases, efforts should be made. Prioritizing good nutrition should be our first step. And, to help Filipinos improve their eating habit and behavior, the NNC developed the 10 Kumainments, an easy guide for good nutrition.
Start anew and say goodbye to TB through good nutrition. (NO II Arlie Joy O. Damiles)
References:
World Health Organization. (2020, October 14). Tuberculosis. Retrieved from https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/tuberculosis
Kanubas, A. (2020 July). TBFacts.org. Food & TB. Retrieved from https://tbfacts.org/food-tb/
Official Gazette. (30 July 1996). Proclamation No. 840, s. 1996. Retrieved from https://www.officialgazette.gov.ph/1996/07/30/proclamation-no-840-s-1996/
Business Mirror. (2021, 26 March). World TB Day 2021: Duque calls for urgent recovery to prevent TB deaths. Retrieved from: https://businessmirror.com.ph/2021/03/26/world-tb-day-2021-duque-calls-for-urgent-recovery-to-prevent-tb-deaths/
