One of the dangerous pathologies of an infectious nature is tuberculosis. Previously, such a diagnosis sounded like a death sentence. To date, there are several ways to combat this formidable disease. However, for many it still ends in death. Tuberculosis prevention is the best way to avoid dangerous pathology.
What is an infection?
Today, almost everyone has an idea about this disease. It is caused by a special microorganism (Koch's wand), named after the scientist who discovered it. The causative agent of pathology is characterized by rapid spread throughout the human body through the lymph and blood. Tuberculosis symptoms are found in people of both sexes and different age categories. The carrier of the infection is an infected individual. Half of the people who come into contact with such patients are at high risk of getting sick. Tuberculosis affects the respiratory system. However, there are varietiespathologies affecting other organs. It can be lymphatic glands, nervous system, skin, bones. How is tuberculosis transmitted? First of all, infection occurs during a conversation or in the process of sneezing, coughing, using common household items.
The microorganism that causes pathology is extremely resistant to adverse environmental factors (chemicals, low temperature), it “loves” darkness, humidity and poorly ventilated rooms. However, the wand is not able to survive in heat, it dies under the influence of light and chlorine.
The latent period in patients with this disease lasts from two to eight weeks, in rare cases - about twelve months.
Populations most at risk of infection
This pathology usually affects people with poor immune system function. Speaking about how tuberculosis is transmitted, it should be noted that the greatest likelihood of its development occurs in the following cases:
- Long and regular stay near the sick.
- Bad material and living conditions (malnutrition, non-compliance with the rules of sanitation and hygiene, addictions).
- Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome.
- Children's age.
- Diabetes.
- Regular exposure to damp, cold environments.
- Eating meat and dairy products obtained from infected livestock (in this case, the pathology affects the digestive tract).
Tuberculosis disease is quite common today. itassociated with an increase in the number of low-income people, as well as immigrants from places where there is a widespread infection.
Primary and secondary variety
There are situations when signs of pathology occur in infants after contact with an infected person. Symptoms do not appear brightly, they may not be noticeable for several weeks. Speaking about the types of tuberculosis, it should be added that the primary type, characteristic of young children, is very difficult to detect. The only possible diagnostic method is the Mantoux reaction. This test allows you to identify the presence of symptoms of poisoning of the body as a result of the vital activity of the sticks.
Secondary type of pathology is quite common. It develops from already existing areas affected by the disease, and is a form of latent infection. This condition is considered to be a type of tuberculosis, which also does not have pronounced symptoms.
Open and closed type
Speaking of these categories, experts take into account whether the infected poses a danger to the people around him. The first type of pathology is characterized by a high risk of spreading the infection.
This happens because pathogens are shed in sputum and saliva. When conducting laboratory tests, bacteria are found in the biological material. An open form of tuberculosis is not very common. The closed type is more common. With this course of the disease, the patient is not able to infect others.of people. His infection is sluggish, but exacerbations occur periodically. Unfortunately, this type of pathology is difficult to treat. Pathogens become resistant to drugs, and treatment has to be carried out for a long time. Unlike the open form of tuberculosis, the closed type can only be detected by a doctor with the help of lung examinations (X-ray and fluorography).
Focal infection and infiltrative form
These types of disease occur due to the penetration of a significant number of rods into the body as a result of contact with a source of infection. Pathogens are carried to different organs and tissues of the human body through blood and lymph. The infection usually affects the lungs.
In the focal type, the diagnosis of tuberculosis (for example, x-ray examination) reveals several areas affected by the disease. Usually the pathology is not manifested by pronounced symptoms. However, patients with this disorder often complain of constant fatigue, a cough with mucus and blood that lasts for about three weeks, weight loss, loss of interest in food and feeling short of breath.
The infiltrative type is dangerous to others. A patient with this type of pathology is able to infect others, and his own condition deteriorates sharply. Symptoms in this case resemble pneumonia, and when examined, cavities are visible on the surface of these organs.
This form of infection is difficult to treat if the patient has reducedimmunity, malnutrition, stress and addictions are observed. If the pathological process has affected the left lung, there is a high probability of damage to the heart muscle. This condition has dangerous consequences.
Therefore, signs of tuberculosis in the early stages cannot be ignored. Sometimes the condition worsens so much that changes in the organs become extremely serious. The earlier an ailment is detected, the easier it is to deal with it.
Stages of disease progression
There are three stages of tuberculosis. At the first stage, the inflammatory process begins in those organs and systems into which the pathogen enters (for example, in the lymph glands). Symptoms in this period are weak and indistinct. Overall, the patient is doing well.
The second stage is characterized by the rapid penetration of rods into other tissues and organs. The immune system becomes weak. Inflammation occurs in various systems of the human body.
The last of the stages of tuberculosis is characterized by the formation of extensive lesions, usually in the respiratory organs. The infection becomes open, clearly makes itself felt. The patient infects others.
Main signs of pathology
It is not easy to recognize in the early stages. However, there are several first signs of tuberculosis that may suggest the development of pathology. These symptoms include the following:
- Cough that will continue for two to three weeks.
- Heat temperature.
- Increased perspiration at night and in the morning.
- Fatigue, depression, anxiety.
- Feeling weak in the muscles.
- Fast weight loss despite maintaining the same diet.
One of the first signs of TB is a cough. However, this symptom does not refer to the specific manifestations of a particular disease. It is also characteristic of many other pathologies of the respiratory system. However, if the cough does not stop for fourteen days, this is a serious reason for testing for tuberculosis.
Features and signs of the acute course of the disease
This variety is characterized by the following symptoms:
- Cough that does not stop for a month.
- Coughing up mucus and blood when coughing.
- Slight rise in temperature.
- Significant weight loss.
- Severe fatigue.
- Loss of interest in food.
- Frequent mood swings.
- Anxiety and irritability.
- The impossibility of doing any work for a long time.
Signs of tuberculosis as the disease progresses may vary depending on the organs and systems that the causative agent of the pathology affects. The intensity of symptoms is also determined by the presence or absence of complications. There are cases when the infection develops gradually, and the person suffers from it for ten or more years.
When is it necessary to see a doctor urgently?
You should not postpone a visit to the doctor if the patient has the following symptoms:
- Bleeding from the lungs, coughing up bloody discharge.
- Strong and sharp feeling of pain in the chest, which appears in the process of breathing.
- Fever, sweating, chills.
No less dangerous are the signs of tuberculosis, which affects not the lungs, but other organs and systems.
If the infection has affected the digestive tract (which often happens when eating meat and milk from sick animals), the patient suffers from diarrhea mixed with blood, cramps in the intestines, severe fever. With this form of the disease, the temperature can reach 40 degrees Celsius. If the inflammatory process develops in the bone tissue, a curvature of the joints, a hump is formed, and the spinal column is deformed. Most often, this pathology occurs in minors. Tuberculous inflammation of the meninges often occurs in patients with AIDS. It is manifested by disorders of consciousness, pain in the head, coma. The skin type of this infection is characterized by the formation of blisters, which, breaking through, secrete a whitish liquid. However, this type of disease is characterized by other signs. Tuberculosis, which affects the urinary system, is characterized by a feeling of discomfort and pain in the area of these organs. There may be swelling of the genitals in men. In the analysis of biological material, an increased content of white blood cells is detected. Urination occurs frequently, accompanied by pain, in itblood impurities are visible.
Necessary examinations
Diagnosis of this infection is an important procedure, which, unfortunately, not everyone pays due attention to. Pathology is extremely dangerous, it leads to disability and even death. Therefore, if a person notices signs of tuberculosis in his early stages, he needs to seek help from a specialist.
Timely examination and therapy can avoid further progression of the disease and disastrous consequences. Diagnostic procedures include:
- Laboratory analyzes of biological material (blood, sputum, urine).
- Implementation of the Mantoux test, which detects the immune response to disease-causing bacteria.
- Chest X-ray. It is prescribed as a medical measure for people 15 years of age and older and allows you to determine if there are areas affected by infection in the lungs.
Diagnosis of tuberculosis is recommended to the patient without fail, despite the fact that the symptoms of this pathology are in many ways similar to those of other diseases.
Therapy
If the infection is severe, the person suffers from frequent bleeding, he needs to adhere to bed rest.
With a milder version of the development of the disease, a person should refrain only from physical overload and emotional upheaval. The duration of therapy for tuberculosis involvesthe use of drugs that destroy microorganisms for six to eight months. In some cases, treatment may take longer. The duration of the course depends on the stage and type of pathology, the presence of complications.
In addition, it must be remembered that a number of patients diagnosed with tuberculosis do not improve with medication, as the bacillus becomes resistant to these chemicals. Therefore, specialists prescribe to the patient more expensive and effective means. Therapy in this case is delayed for a long time.
Infection Prevention
The main way to prevent this pathology is vaccination. The procedure is carried out in childhood. The first vaccine is given to babies in the maternity hospital, and it contains weak microorganisms. After a while, the Mantoux reaction is carried out.
Babies usually tolerate this procedure well.
For adults, regular chest X-ray examinations are recommended. The fight against tuberculosis involves the implementation of such an event every twelve months. People who communicate with the infected, diabetics, persons at high risk of pulmonary pathologies should pay special attention to this procedure.
The first signs of tuberculosis are a serious reason not only for seeking qualified medical help, but also a good reason for changing everyday life and habits. First of all, it is necessary, if possible, to improve the conditions in which the patient lives, to adhere to the rulessanitation and hygiene. An important role is played by the rejection of addictions. It is necessary to observe the correct diet, eat enough vegetables, berries, fruits, drink vitamins.
