One of the major respiratory concerns is the effect of tuberculosis. This condition primarily affects the lungs, and can be passed on to other people. Unfortunately, tuberculosis can possibly lead to death without proper treatment and early detection of tb symptoms. In that case, one way for survival is to recognize early warning signs.
This comprehensive guide contains the common tb symptoms, ways to determine tuberculosis, and proper tuberculosis treatment. Find out if your cough is associated with tuberculosis and identify if you need to visit a pulmonologist. Let’s begin!
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) or pulmonary TB is a lung condition that occurs when there’s a bacterial infection. According to experts, the spread of tuberculosis bacteria happens due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The initial infection occurs in the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, and brain.
Take note that TB is contagious and is an airborne disease that can spread by air due to tiny droplets from sneezing or coughing. Most people are at a higher risk due to constant close contact, making it possible to inhale these droplets. Thus, making it an infectious disease that you must avoid, especially if you have a weakened immune system. Despite that, it is still possible to prevent complications and cure TB symptoms as long as immediate intervention occurs.
Common TB Symptoms
A better way to start intervention and prevent the spread of TB is by identifying your symptoms as possible TB symptoms. While it can be difficult to recognize symptoms during its early stages, there are certain signs that commonly appear in cases of tuberculosis. Let’s identify these common TB symptoms below!
- Persistent Cough – A cough lasting more than three weeks is one of the most common TB symptoms. It may start as a dry cough and later produce mucus or bloody mucus.
- Unexplained Weight Loss – TB can cause a loss of appetite, leading to significant weight loss without any apparent reason.
- Night Sweats and Fever – Low-grade fever and excessive night sweats are common symptoms of TB disease, often mistaken for other infections.
- Shortness of Breath & Chest Pain – As the infection spreads, it can cause difficulty in breathing, trouble breathing, and chest pain that worsens with deep breaths or coughing.
- Fatigue and Weakness – People with TB often feel persistently tired or weak, even when not engaging in strenuous activities.
Take note that having symptoms of tuberculosis means that you have an active TB disease. It’s best to practice precautionary measures to avoid the spread of the bacteria to other people.
Detecting Tuberculosis Through Diagnostic Tests
While having symptoms is one of the common ways of detecting tuberculosis, there is a case wherein you can be asymptomatic and still can have tuberculosis. This case is called inactive TB or latent TB, which can only be verified through a diagnostic test.
Now, you might suspect that you have tuberculosis due to possible transmission or because of present symptoms. In that case, it’s best to undergo the following common TB tests:
Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)
A small amount of TB protein (PPD) is injected under the skin, and the reaction is checked after 48-72 hours. A raised, red bump may indicate infection. This type of test is common for children under 5 years old to help detect if they have active tb or latent tb infection.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs)
Meanwhile, another type of test is the IGRAs, a blood test that detects TB infection by measuring the immune response. This test is common for detecting latent infection, which means the tb germs or bacteria is still dormant inside the body. IGRAs will help determine if you are carrying the infection in your blood and identify a possible TB infection.
Chest X-ray
On the other hand, x-ray is one of the most common diagnostic tests used in a healthcare setting. This imaging test helps to visualize lung abnormalities consistent with TB disease. Thus, allowing you to fully determine your lung health and receive a proper tuberculosis diagnosis.
Sputum Test
A sputum or phlegm sample is examined for TB bacteria to confirm an active infection. The sputum can also indicate health problems through its color. For instance, a clear sputum can indicate no infection, while yellow and green color can indicate a bacterial pneumonia and other bacterial infection disease. However, if the sputum is red, there’s a possible chance of blood clotting, which indicates a severe condition.
TB Treatment: How is Tuberculosis Managed?
TB treatment requires a strict medication regimen. The most common treatment involves:
First-line TB Medications (Standard Treatment)
According to the World Health Organization, TB is treated with a 6-month regimen of the following antibiotics:
- Isoniazid (INH)
- Rifampicin (RIF)
- Ethambutol (EMB)
- Pyrazinamide (PZA)
Multidrug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB) Treatment
When the bacteria becomes resistant to the mentioned drugs, this second form of treatment is recommended. Patients with MDR-TB must undergo a screening process like bacteriological confirmation and rapid molecular tests for drug resistance. The second-line oral medications include Bedaquiline and Linezolid and may last 6 months. However, longer regimen can also happen if necessary.
Latent TB Treatment
As mentioned, there are cases wherein people can carry infection, but won’t result in TB symptoms. If you have latent tb, it is still important to receive treatment as it can still progress to TB bacteria once your immune system weakens. In that case, preventive treatment like Isoniazid (INH) for 6-9 months helps prevent activation of the disease.
Reminders for Taking Medications
Stopping TB medication too early can cause drug-resistant TB, making treatment more difficult. That’s why it is more ideal to follow your doctor’s instructions. However, if you notice some side effects when taking the medication, it is best to communicate it immediately with your pulmonologist.
When to Visit A Pulmonologist Near Me
Tuberculosis is a complicated pulmonary condition that shouldn’t be managed through self-diagnosis and self-medication. It is a disease that can lead to further complications if dealt wrongly. That’s why your best option is to visit a pulmonologist.
Commonly, you are encouraged to visit the doctor due to the following reasons:
- Your cough lasts more than 3 weeks.
- Experience bloody mucus.
- Have persistent fever and night sweats.
- Live with a patient with tuberculosis
- Suffering from conditions that weakens your immune system (i.e., HIV/AIDS)
- You have diabetes
- Use tobacco constantly
How to Book A Pulmonology Doctor on NowServing
Consultation with a pulmonologist on NowServing is a straightforward process. Here’s how!
- Access this link to view the list of pulmonologist doctors in the Philippines.
- Choose your doctor by clicking the “Book Appointment” button.
- Select if you prefer online consultation or face-to-face consultation.
- Choose your preferred date for consultation.
- Fill up the form with your details to continue the booking process.
- Wait for your doctor to accept your booking through a confirmation message.
You can also use the NowServing app to book a consultation. Download the app here.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TB contagious to family members?
Yes, tuberculosis (TB) is contagious and can spread to family members living in the same household. When a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, speaks, sneezes, or sings, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air. These droplets can remain suspended for hours, especially in poorly ventilated spaces.
Family members are at higher risk of infection because:
- They share enclosed living spaces with the infected person
- They typically have prolonged, frequent contact
- Household contacts often include individuals who may be more vulnerable (young children, elderly, or those with compromised immune systems)
Can TB come back after treatment?
Yes, TB can return after treatment for two main reasons:
- Relapse: This occurs when the original infection was not completely eliminated despite completing treatment.
- Reinfection: This happens when a person who was previously treated for TB is exposed to and infected with a new strain of TB bacteria.
Regular follow-up with healthcare providers after completing TB treatment is important for early detection of any recurrence. In some cases, longer treatment courses or secondary prophylaxis may be recommended for individuals at high risk of relapse.
Where can I get tested for tuberculosis?
When you need to undergo a diagnostic test to detect tuberculosis bacteria and tuberculosis infection, visiting a healthcare clinic is a must. You can visit local testing centers, hospitals, or book a testing service through NowServing.
Conclusion
Recognizing TB symptoms early and seeking medical consultation are key steps in preventing the spread of tuberculosis. With timely diagnosis and proper treatment, TB can be effectively managed and cured. If you or a loved one experience symptoms, don’t wait—consult a pulmonologist today.