What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs but can also damage other parts of the body such as the kidneys, bones, and brain.
TB is a communicable disease that spreads through air.
Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis
Spread through droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks
Common symptoms include:
Persistent cough lasting more than two weeks
Chest pain
Fever
Night sweats
Weight loss
Weakness and fatigue
Coughing up blood in severe cases
An infected person releases bacteria into the air
Healthy individuals inhale contaminated droplets
Bacteria enter the lungs and multiply
TB spreads more easily in crowded and poorly ventilated places.
TB can be prevented by:
Taking BCG vaccination
Covering mouth while coughing or sneezing
Maintaining proper ventilation
Early diagnosis and treatment
Avoiding close contact with infected individuals
TB is treated using a combination of antibiotics for several months.
Important points:
Complete the full course of medicines
Irregular treatment can cause drug-resistant TB
Controlling tuberculosis helps:
Reduce spread of infection
Prevent severe lung damage
Protect public health
Early detection and proper treatment are essential for recovery.