Tuberculosis is an infectious disease, also called "consumption" and known since ancient times. Tuberculosis infection is transmitted by airborne droplets and exists in large numbers in our time, however, its transmission requires a long and repeated stay next to a sick person, as well as reduced immunity.
At the initial stage of the disease, the appearance of such a complex in the lungs as the focus of Gon is characteristic.
How does infection happen?
As soon as the tubercle bacillus enters the human body, inflammation begins.
It's happening very slowly. Since the body has not yet had time to develop ways to fight bacteria, the infection spreads quite easily. In this case, a primary limited focus of inflammation in the lung is formed. In parallel, the development of inflammation in the lymphatic vessels, the so-called lymphangitis, can begin. After healing of the primary focus of inflammation, the affected area calcifies and hardens. Gon's focus is formed.
What is this?
So, the first stage of tuberculosis ends when Gon's focus appears in the lungs. What it is- let's take a closer look.
This is a small granulomatous inflammation that can be seen on x-ray if it has already begun to calcify and has grown to a large size.
Usually, the primary focus is formed on the periphery of the lung, usually in the middle or lower sections. At the same time, lymph nodes can be affected, which is not always immediately noticeable. Usually the center of Gon passes without causing further disturbance to the patient. However, in some cases, the infection from it spreads further throughout the body and the second stage of tuberculosis sets in, which is much more difficult.
Clinical picture
The primary lesion may begin acutely, gradually, but most people are asymptomatic. The clinical picture of the disease mainly depends on the severity of morphological changes and the size of the affected area. Gon's focus can also occur in children. Its symptoms depend on age. Babies from birth to 6-7 years of age are most prone to the rapid development of the process, due to the structural features of the respiratory system and lungs.
In the acute onset of the disease, symptoms of intoxication predominate, body temperature rises. With gradual, patients from several weeks to a month may not be aware of the infection.
When examining children, attention is paid to enlarged peripheral and intrathoracic lymph nodes, paraspecific reactions. An important indicator is the specific reaction to the Mantoux test.
Adult patients noted shorteningpulmonary sound, hard or weakened breathing, wheezing is possible. Leukocytosis is observed in the blood test.
Therapy
People diagnosed with Gon's focus are usually treated with tuberostatic therapy. Prescribe first-line antibacterial drugs (isoniazid, ftivazid and others), isonicotinic acid preparations, streptomycin.
After antibiotic treatment, the symptoms of the disease quickly disappear, coughing and sputum production stop. For effective therapy, it is very important to diagnose the disease as early as possible, as well as to identify the resistance of mycobacteria to certain drugs.
Antibacterial therapy is carried out regularly, in courses for one or a year and a half. When temperature appears, symptomatic treatment is aimed at reducing it.
Additionally, diet and rest should be introduced, multivitamins are required, and immunity is maintained.
Exodus
There are quite a few people who have been diagnosed with Gon's lesion in the lungs. Few people know that this disease is easily treatable. However, the outcome of therapy can be of three types:
- Favorable - specific changes in the lungs are completely absorbed. This happens with minor inflammation in the lymph nodes and timely treatment.
- Relatively favorable - the formation of calcifications at the site of the lesion and in the lymph nodes. Occurs when diagnosed late and there are significant changes.
- Unfavorable - the transition of the primary tuberculosis complex intosecondary.
Thus, we can conclude that early and competent diagnosis, as well as timely treatment can lead to a favorable outcome for patients even with such a serious disease as pulmonary tuberculosis.
