Introduction
The article is written by Peter Crosta and is about tuberculosis. It gives information about the causes of tuberculosis and how the disease can be prevented. The article also explores various ways through which the disease can be treated. The article was first written in the year 2009 but was later updated on 12th December this year.
Tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB, is a condition that is caused by bacteria. The name of the bacterium causing tuberculosis is Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The disease mainly affects the lungs. Patients suffering from tuberculosis experience chest pain and persistent coughs. If not treated in its early stages, tuberculosis can cause pneumonia. The disease is rampant in Africa and Asia. Research has shown that people suffering from HIV/AIDS are at a higher risk of contracting the disease. The disease spreads through the air when a person infected with tuberculosis coughs or sneezes (Crosta 2013). The symptoms of the disease include fever, fatigue, lack of appetite, a cough lasting for more than 2 weeks and weight loss. The disease can be tested in most health care centers around the world. There are two types of tests that can be used to detect Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. The blood test is a widely used test used to detect tuberculosis compared to the skin test which does not give instant results.
Treatment
The treatment administered on patients suffering from tuberculosis depends on whether the patient is suffering from active tuberculosis or latent tuberculosis. Latent tuberculosis can be treated by administering a drug by the name Isoniazid (INH). This drug is an antibiotic that is usually administered for 6-12 months on a patient. Research has shown that Isoniazid (INH) can have dire effects on pregnant women and doctors have since discouraged the use of the drug by pregnant women (Crosta 2013). Doctors use Isoniazid (INH) together with a combination of other recommended drugs to treat active tuberculosis. They include Streptomycin, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide and Ethambutol.
There have been reports that some patients are becoming drug-resistant to the drugs used to treat tuberculosis. This has prompted medical practitioners to use a combination of drugs other than the four that are usually used. Doctors have in the past used surgery to remove damaged tissue among their patients. Patients need to complete their medication. Research has shown that most patients stop taking tuberculosis drugs after feeling better. Patients need to complete their medication so that the bacterium causing tuberculosis can be eliminated completely. Tuberculosis can be prevented by eating a balanced diet that will boost a person’s immune system. It is also important to be tested for tuberculosis regularly in case a person is living in a region that is considered risky.
Tuberculosis is more prevalent in Africa and Asia. According to the article, in the year 2007 research conducted showed that over 100,000 people are infected with tuberculosis every year in each country (Crosta 2013).
Conclusion
The article offers important information about tuberculosis. The article also discusses the various treatment options that can be used to treat patients infected with tuberculosis. Further, the article offers insightful information concerning the prevalence of the disease over the past few years. The article also gives information as to how people can prevent themselves from contracting the disease.
Reference
Crosta, P. (2013). What is tuberculosis (TB)? What causes tuberculosis?. Medical News Today. Web.