Tuberculosis - Diagnosis And Treatment

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Diagnosing tuberculosis (TB) typically involves a combination of medical history, medical examination, and various tests. Here are some common methods used for diagnosing TB:

1. Medical History & physical examination

Your doctor will ask about symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, etc. Along with this they will also assess risk factors, such as recent travel history to a TB-endemic area, contact with an individual suffering from TB, and for any underlying medical conditions that can weaken the immune system.

2. Tuberculin Skin Test (TST)

Also known as Mantoux test, this involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin, a purified protein derivative (PPD), into the skin, usually on the forearm. After 48 to 72 hours the doctor will check the injection site for a reaction. A positive reaction will indicate exposure to the bacteria that can cause TB.

3. Chest X-ray

This can reveal abnormalities in the lungs suggestive of TB.

4. Sputum Spear Microscopy

This test involves examining sputum under a microscope to detect the presence of acid-fast bacilli (AFB), which are characteristic of the bacteria causing TB.

5. Blood Tests

The doctor will conduct interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs) blood tests to detect the presence of specific immune cells that react to TB proteins.

Treatment of Tuberculosis

Treatment of TB typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken over a prolonged period to effectively eliminate the bacteria and prevent the development of drug resistance. The standard tuberculosis treatment regimen involves taking a combination of antimicrobial drugs. This combination of antibiotics is often referred to as ‘first-line therapy’. Treatment for drug-susceptible TB typically lasts for a minimum of six months and it is divided into 2 phases.

It is crucial for individual with TB to complete their full course of treatment as prescribed by a healthcare provider to prevent development of drug-resistant TB and also minimize the risk of relapse.

Prevention of Tuberculosis

The most efficient preventive measure is to vaccinate children early against TB. This can help protect them against severe forms of TB, while its efficacy in preventing pulmonary TB in adults is variable. Other than that, teach your child to follow proper hygiene like covering their noses and mouths around people who sneeze or cough. Also, gain knowledge about TB symptoms as it can help you to seek timely medical care.

Home Remedies for Tuberculosis

While medical treatment is compulsory for TB cure, some lifestyle modifications and home remedies can support conventional therapy and boost immunity toward TB. This includes:

• Eating a healthy, nutritious diet as it can help support the immune system and promote overall health.

• Get adequate rest and relaxation as it is crucial for the body’s recovery process.

• Drink plenty of fluids as it will not only keep you hydrated, but it will also help loosen mucus in the lungs.

• Gargle with warm salt water as this can soothe a sore throat and help reduce inflammation.

• Take steam inhalation as this can help relieve congestion and loosen mucus in the airways.

• Try herbal remedies as some herbs and spices have anti-microbial and anti-inflammatory properties that may help support the immune system and alleviate symptoms. For example include ginger, garlic, turmeric and tulsi.

• Practice deep breathing exercises

• Maintain good hygiene

• Engage in activities that help reduce stress and promotes relaxation.

• Quit smoking