Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis: Understanding the Symptoms and Treatment
Active pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Unlike latent TB, which is a dormant infection, active TB is characterized by the presence of active bacteria in the body, leading to symptoms and the potential to spread the infection to others.
What are the Symptoms of Active Pulmonary TB?
Active pulmonary TB often presents with a range of symptoms, including:
- Coughing: Persistent cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks, often producing phlegm.
- Chest Pain: Pain in the chest area, often associated with breathing.
- Fever: High temperature, especially in the evenings.
- Night Sweats: Excessive sweating during sleep.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained loss of appetite and weight.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak.
- Loss of Appetite: Decreased desire to eat.
- Blood in Sputum: Coughing up blood or blood-stained phlegm.
It's crucial to remember that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. Therefore, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
How is Active Pulmonary TB Diagnosed?
Diagnosing active pulmonary TB involves a combination of tests, including:
- Physical Examination: The doctor will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and travel history.
- Chest X-ray: This helps visualize any abnormalities in the lungs, such as lesions or cavities caused by TB.
- Sputum Culture: A sample of your phlegm is collected and cultured to identify the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria.
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): This test involves injecting a small amount of a purified protein derivative (PPD) under the skin. A raised, red bump indicates a positive test, which could indicate either active or latent TB infection.
- Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): These blood tests detect a specific immune response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Treatment for Active Pulmonary TB
Treatment for active pulmonary TB typically involves a combination of antibiotics called anti-tubercular drugs, taken for a prolonged period. The duration of treatment can vary depending on factors like the severity of the infection and the patient's response to medication.
Multidrug therapy is essential for treating active TB, as it significantly reduces the risk of developing drug-resistant strains. The recommended treatment regimen typically includes:
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Rifampin (RIF)
- Pyrazinamide (PZA)
- Ethambutol (EMB)
The exact combination and dosage of these medications will be determined by a healthcare professional. It's crucial to take all medications as prescribed and complete the entire course of treatment, even if you feel better. Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to the development of drug-resistant TB.
How to Prevent the Spread of Active Pulmonary TB
Active pulmonary TB is highly contagious. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. To prevent the spread of TB, it's important to:
- Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing: Use a tissue or cough into your elbow.
- Avoid close contact with infected individuals: Maintain a distance of at least six feet from individuals with active TB.
- Proper ventilation: Ensure good ventilation in crowded areas or enclosed spaces.
- Seek medical attention: If you suspect you may have active TB, seek medical attention immediately.
- Vaccination: The BCG vaccine is recommended in certain areas with high TB rates, but it doesn't always provide complete protection.
Conclusion
Active pulmonary TB is a serious condition, but with prompt diagnosis and proper treatment, it is curable. It's important to be aware of the symptoms, seek medical advice if you suspect TB, and take necessary steps to prevent its spread.
