TB testing and staying healthy
Tuberculosis (TB) is incredibly prevalent in South Africa – yet it almost flies under the radar on the news and even our own frames of references when it comes to worrying health problems.
Which is all the more reason to stay up to date on this disease.
TB is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although it commonly affects the lungs, TB can potentially target any part of the body, leading to an extensive range of symptoms and complications. There are an estimated 10 million new cases reported annually worldwide, and we are not far behind in SA.
TB in South Africa
TB is a significant health problem in South Africa and we are grappling with one of the highest TB burdens globally.
Why is it such a serious issue in SA?
The link between TB and HIV/AIDS is a real challenge. The two often go hand-in-hand, making the impact even more significant. There are also issues of drug-resistant TB. Some strains of the bacteria are resistant to standard medications, which makes treatment that much more complicated.
TB mainly spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. While TB is curable and preventable, its impact can be severe if left untreated. The infection may lie dormant in the body, developing into active TB later in life. People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV, are particularly vulnerable.
Don’t ignore these symptoms!
- A cough lasting more than three weeks is a common symptom.
- Pain or discomfort in the chest, especially when coughing or breathing deeply.
- Haemoptysis, or coughing up blood-tinged sputum, can be a sign of advanced TB.
- Fatigue, weakness and unintentional weight loss.
TB testing
If you notice any of these signs or symptoms, it could be your body alerting you to TB. Don't hesitate to reach out to your local clinic or hospital for help.
This is how it works. The germs that cause TB are prevalent in your sputum (saliva). When the lab does its testing, they can spot the signs. Another clue might come from an X-ray taken at a clinic or hospital. They can spot changes in the lungs or little cavities that might be causing trouble.
For children, a nurse or doctor might do a skin test. It's a way to check if a possible TB infection is lurking.
Good to know: If someone is diagnosed with TB, it may not just stop with them. Children under five who have been in proximity of the TB patient may also need a check-up because TB transmits easily.
TB treatment
The good news is that there is treatment for TB. Tuberculosis can be effectively cured with minimal complications. The critical factor, though, is starting your treatment as soon as possible and abiding by the prescribed regimen outlined by the clinic or doctor. To completely cure TB, you will need to stay on the six-month course. It’s typical, however, that within the first two weeks of treatment, you will no longer be contagious.
The treatment process involves an intensive phase during the first two months, where patients take four or five tablets (depending on body weight) Monday to Friday. Subsequently, the continuation phase spans the next four months, with two or three tablets (depending on body weight) taken Monday to Friday.
Remember
If you stop taking your TB meds prematurely, specifically when you start to feel better, you are making a big mistake. You must complete the full six-month course of treatment as prescribed.
Not completing your course of treatment increases the risk of developing a drug-resistant strain of TB and this is another difficult challenge to treat. Managing drug-resistant TB often means an extended treatment period exceeding 18 months, and you may need an extended stay in a hospital.
Destroying TB germs is a time-consuming process. TB medications are created according to strict requirements, so stopping the treatment too soon can lead to a resurgence of the disease.
So, it doesn’t matter how much better you think you feel, keep taking your medication until your course is completed.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only. Always check with your doctor or medical practitioner about any health concerns, before embarking on any fitness or nutrition programme, or using any medication.