Reasons You Should Get That Cough Tested For TB
With the whole world currently battling Covid-19, any sign of cough is frown on.
There is the fear of getting whatever kind of cough tested but do you know that tuberculosis is another deadly disease that shouldn’t be taken lightly?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs.
This disease is transmittable, which means it can spread from one person to another.
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It is spread tiny droplets released into the air via coughs and sneezes.
Coughing for three weeks’ strength might be a sign of TB, but you will never know until you get it tested.
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Types and Symptoms of TB
Your body can harbor the bacteria that causes tuberculosis, and with a robust immune system, you might not get sick.
For this reason, tuberculosis is distinct between two types:
- Latent TB
Also called inactive TB, this type isn’t contagious as the bacteria are just in the body but inactive, so no TB symptoms are experienced.
But Latent TB can turn active over time, so it is best to get it treated at the early stage.
- Active TB
This condition makes one sick, and it is very contagious. Active TB occurs weeks or years after infection with tuberculosis bacteria.
Signs and Symptoms Of Active TB
- Coughing for three or more weeks
- Pain with breathing or Chest pain or
Coughing up blood or mucus
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Loss of appetite
- Chills
Tuberculosis also affects other parts of the body. When it occurs outside the lungs, its signs and symptoms vary according to the organs involved.
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For tuberculosis of the spine, back pain may be experienced, while blood in urine might be experienced for tuberculosis in the kidney.
Prevention Of TB
Use a nose mask when in the company of a crowd.
Stay five feet away from people when having conversations.
If you notice that you have been coughing for more than three weeks without any sign of improvement, see a doctor immediately.
And advise anyone around you with a severe cough to do so too.
When To See A Doctor?
Suppose you have a persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, or fever.
These symptoms are associated with TB but can also result from other conditions, only a test can identify the sickness and the proper medication for it, so see a doctor.
If not treated early, tuberculosis can be fatal, and this isn’t something one should take lightly.
Although TB is contagious, it is however not easy to contract.
Tuberculosis is more likely to be caught from someone you live with or spend time with than a stranger.
It would help if you looked out for those around you.
Disclaimer: Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is at your own risk. This article is strictly for informational purposes. The author is not a medical practitioner and as such you should not substitute the information here for professional advice.
