Tuberculosis
(TB) is a kind of infection that affects the lung severely. Though anyone can
develop TB, those with poor health conditions can fall in its trap very easily.
The treatment of TB is a long one, which must be followed properly for treating
this disease successfully. It is a highly communicable disease and can affect
the family members, especially babies on coming in contact with the TB patient.
In most of the
cases, TB starts affecting the lungs first. The TB bacteria gets released in the
air through cough or sneeze. Those who breathe in this bacteria can have Tb as
these germs multiply as soon as they enter in the lungs. This leads to various
kinds of infections which can be diagnosed by visiting one of the diagnostic centres in India.
Sometimes the
symptoms of TB cannot be seen in those with good health. They work slowly and
steadily, and multiply in number. This affects the overall immune system with time,
and thus, it takes time to detect the signs of TB. Such early infections can be
diagnosed only with the help of a chest X-ray in which a small scar can be seen
on the lung which indicates TB infection.
When TB bacteria
attacks the lung, the immune system fails to fight against the invading
bacteria. This bacteria then further multiplies and starts spreading in other
body parts as well. The real symptoms of active TB can be seen after 6-8 weeks
only.
Doctors say that
sometimes TB infection takes even years to develop as an active TB. Initially,
the immune system stops the increasing TB bacteria in the body, but some
bacteria remain in the body which stay inactive for a period of time. Later
they become active and start multiplying causing active TB.
In most of the
cases, TB patients are elderly or frail. Diabetics and those having kidney
failure also develop TB due to weak immune system.
The most common
symptom of TB is coughing that lasts more than three weeks. It starts with dry
cough and becomes worse with time if not treated. After that, symptoms like high
temperature, sweats, weight loss, chest pain, and poor appetite follow. Some
people even feel breathing problem if the infection reaches to the lung and
starts damaging it.
Thus, diagnosing
TB is important by visiting one of the licenced diagnostic centres in India. The labs start with a chest X-ray, tuberculin
skin test, followed by phlegm (sputum) tests.
Doctors also recommend blood test and HIV tests
for TB patients to screen the overall health condition of the patient.
To find a Lab near you, visit www.lalpathlabs.com
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