Know what is Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)?

Understand Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)

Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) , also known as respiratory TB, mainly affects our lungs. This type of TB can also spread from the lungs to any other organ. It is a bacterial infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis which spreads through the air between people. When it affects the lungs, it can cause pulmonary TB. Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) causes symptoms such as chest pain, severe cough, and other symptoms.

TB bacteria grow mainly in the lungs, but they can infect other parts of the body as well. In this article, we will tell you important things related to the symptoms, causes and treatment of Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis).

How common is Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)?

Between the 18th and 19th centuries, Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) spread as an epidemic in North America and Europe. After difficulties, when antibiotics and medicines were discovered for it, then it was stopped from spreading successful. After that, the spread of TB stopped in different countries. However, despite all this, TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. According to the World Health Organization (WHO) report, TB patients and deaths from them account for an average of 95 percent in developing countries. In the early 20th century, TB was the leading cause of death in the United States. However, in today’s time, there is a proper and successful treatment of TB. Most cases of TB are cured with antibiotics. However, its treatment is for a long period. Also, once there is a problem of TB, the second time its bacteria can attack the body rapidly. Therefore, to reduce its risks again, get your proper and necessary treatment for at least 6 to 9 months.

That is why it is very important for us to protect ourselves from this disease. American Lung Association (ALA) report, 96 lakh people have active TB. If such TB is not treated on time, then it can completely destroy the lungs and take life. Be sure to consult your doctor for more information.

What are the symptoms of Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)?

There are no early symptoms of Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis). But still the following symptoms can be seen-

• Shortness of breath
• Chest pain
• thick phlegm
• blood with phlegm
• excessive sweating, especially at night
• very tired
• Fever
• weight loss
• wheezing in voice

Symptoms other than the above can be seen in Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis). If you have trouble with any of the symptoms, be sure to seek help from your doctor.

When to meet the doctor?

If you see any of the above symptoms, you should seek the help of your doctor. Keep in mind that each person’s body responds to illness differently. In such a situation, it is best to consult a doctor.

Cause

What causes Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)?

• by shaking hands
• using food and drink with others
• living with TB
• by kissing

TB is a disease that can also be transmitted through the air. In such a situation, you can get infected even if you come in contact with the person left by an infected person. like-

• Cough
• Sneeze
• laughing and singing

The bacteria of this disease can live in the air for a long time. In such a situation, you can become a victim of TB even when the patient is not in that room.

Risk

What increases the risk of Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)?

The risk of Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) increases due to many reasons such as-

• Age: Older people or newborns
• Immunity – Weak immunity in people with AIDS, cancer, diabetes
• unbalanced dieters
• people living in dirty places

Treatment

How is Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose this disease by doing various tests. The following things come out in these tests like-

• Crackles in the air
• swelling of the lymph node in the back of the throat
• Pleural Effusion

Tests can be like this

• Bronchoscopy, with the help of which examination of the windpipe is done.
• chest CT scan
• chest x-ray
• Gamma and QFT Blood Tests
• phlegm test
• tuberculin skin test
• biopsy

How is Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis) treated?

In the treatment of TB, mainly medicines are given first so that the infection spread by TB bacteria can be eliminated. In this, the person has to take the medicine till the lab test confirms the benefits of the medicine. In this, many types of medicines have to be taken at different times of the day. These medicines can last for six months or more. If the patient does not take its medicine or does not take it at the right time, then it can be more difficult to prevent infection because the TB bacteria build up immunity to the medicine during this time.

To prevent Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)

Although it is not possible to avoid coming in contact with a TB infected person every time, however, some methods can save you from its risk.

How to avoid

Some tips to avoid Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)

Learn Coughing and Sneezing Manners

Always keep a handkerchief with you. So that, while coughing or sneezing, you keep a handkerchief over your mouth and nose. So that the particles of your mouth do not spread out. Also, if you don’t have a tissue or handkerchief, move your face between the elbows when you sneeze. This will minimize the spread of sneeze particles in the air and your hands will also remain bacteria free. Because if you cover your mouth with your hands while coughing or sneezing, then its particles can get in the hands. Then with these same hands you can also touch other objects and other parts of your body which can make you even more sick.

Stay away from TB patients

TB disease is not usually transmitted from person to person. But, if a person is a patient of TB for a long time, then keep a proper distance from him. Their virus particles can enter your body when you cough or sneeze.

Stay in the right place

Keep space in the room for air to escape. Try that your living room is ventilated. Try to avoid AC room or try to stay less in AC.

Use a mask

Walk with a mask on your face. Masks can protect you from getting infected by many types of particles spread in the air. Always use a mask when going out of the house.

If you have Lung TB (Pulmonary Tuberculosis), you should stay at home to protect others from this serious disease. Your doctor will let you know when your TB cannot infect others. Only after this you leave the house or meet others. If you have any questions regarding your problem, please do not forget to consult your doctor.