Ways To Treat Tuberculosis!

Tuberculosis is a lung related disease that is caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis spreads through the air and is a highly contagious disease that can be transmitted through coughing, sneezing and spitting. The symptoms of this condition include coughing, blood discharge while coughing, fever, extreme weight loss, and chills. Against general myths, this disease can be treated and is curable too. Effective, timely diagnosis and treatment with the correct methods and medication are required. Let us find out the various means for effective treatment of tuberculosis.

Diagnosis: The diagnosis of the infection at the earliest is helpful by detecting the presence of the bacteria in the body. The doctor will take a samples like sputum, CSF, Bronchial wash, blood, etc and conduct a series of lab tests in order to diagnose the condition. Also, the doctor will check the medical history of the patient to understand the complications the patient may be prone to. Diagnosis of Pulmonary TB is by sputum, BAL for AFB examination, culture, gene expert and some other blood test may also be required. 

Medication: Usually, the best way to treat this condition is with the help of a six month long course of antibiotics, which may also last for 12 months, depending on the prognosis. The patient needs to be in isolation at home or at hospital so that he or she does not end up spreading this disease to anyone else. A voluntary medical practitioner or trained health worker will help in care giving and medicine administration under the instructions of the doctor. The medication will usually consist of four antibiotics, which will act on the metabolism of the bacteria to ensure that the bacteria gets killed eventually. 

Control of Infection: The spread of the infection is such that a single sneeze or cough can infect up to ten to fifteen people who are near the patient without proper masks and other protective equipment to prevent the transmission. The patient needs to be taught about the cough manners to prevent the spread. Therefore, it is the job of the doctor or the hospital to ensure that proper infection control takes place.

One thing that the patient must remember about the treatment is that immediate and timely treatment with medication must be taken so that the patient is able to get cured. If the patient skips medicines or does not get treated on time, then the infection will come back again and again. The patient also gets resistance to the antibiotics given. In extra pulmonary TB infection, proper diagnosis and adequate treatment with antibiotics is needed. If you wish to discuss about any specific problem, you can consult a General Physician.