Tuberculosis (TB)
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by bacteria that mainly affects the lungs. It can spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air when someone with TB coughs or sneezes. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. It is important to know that not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. Some people have what is called latent TB infection, which means the bacteria are in their body but are not causing any symptoms.
Diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB)
Diagnosing TB involves several steps. First, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and order tests, such as a chest X-ray and a sputum test. The sputum test involves coughing up phlegm, which is then examined under a microscope to check for the presence of TB bacteria. In some cases, additional tests, like a blood test or a biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treating Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is treatable with medication. The most common treatment for TB is a combination of antibiotics that need to be taken for several months. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better. This helps ensure that all the TB bacteria are killed and reduces the risk of the disease coming back. It is also important to avoid close contact with others until you are no longer contagious.
Preventing Tuberculosis (TB)
Preventing TB involves taking certain precautions. If you have been diagnosed with latent TB infection, your healthcare provider may recommend medication to prevent the infection from progressing to active TB disease. It is also important to practice good respiratory hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep, can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of TB infection.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious disease caused by bacteria that mainly affects the lungs. It can spread from person to person through tiny droplets released into the air when someone with TB coughs or sneezes. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. It is important to know that not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. Some people have what is called latent TB infection, which means the bacteria are in their body but are not causing any symptoms.
Diagnosing Tuberculosis (TB)
Diagnosing TB involves several steps. First, a healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and medical history. They may also perform a physical examination and order tests, such as a chest X-ray and a sputum test. The sputum test involves coughing up phlegm, which is then examined under a microscope to check for the presence of TB bacteria. In some cases, additional tests, like a blood test or a biopsy, may be needed to confirm the diagnosis.
Treating Tuberculosis (TB)
TB is treatable with medication. The most common treatment for TB is a combination of antibiotics that need to be taken for several months. It is important to take the medication exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider and to complete the full course of treatment, even if you start feeling better. This helps ensure that all the TB bacteria are killed and reduces the risk of the disease coming back. It is also important to avoid close contact with others until you are no longer contagious.
Preventing Tuberculosis (TB)
Preventing TB involves taking certain precautions. If you have been diagnosed with latent TB infection, your healthcare provider may recommend medication to prevent the infection from progressing to active TB disease. It is also important to practice good respiratory hygiene, such as covering your mouth and nose with a tissue or your elbow when coughing or sneezing. Additionally, maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including eating a balanced diet, getting regular exercise, and getting enough sleep, can help strengthen your immune system and reduce the risk of TB infection.
Symptom list:
Tuberculosis (TB)
Financial support
Not all of us are able to afford the treatment we need. Search your insurance coverage, or check out what charities may be able to offer you for your condition.
p.s. Just because you have insurance, that doesn't mean that charities or other organizations are not able to support you too.
Emotional support
Whether it's a free counseling session or to find someone with a similar diagnosis, these Germie approved charities might be able to help. Click to explore their offerings!
