Tuberculosis, Active FAQ
What is active tuberculosis?
Active tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body. It causes severe symptoms and requires prompt medical attention.
How is active TB diagnosed?
Active TB is diagnosed through a combination of medical history, physical examination, chest X-rays, and laboratory tests, including sputum samples.
Is active tuberculosis contagious?
Yes, active tuberculosis is highly contagious and can spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.
What are the common symptoms of active TB?
Common symptoms include prolonged cough, chest pain, weakness, weight loss, fever, and night sweats.
How is active TB treated?
Treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics taken for a minimum of 6 to 9 months. Prompt and complete treatment is essential to prevent the spread of the disease.
Can active TB be cured?
Yes, active tuberculosis can be cured with appropriate treatment. However, it requires strict adherence to the prescribed medication regimen.
Is TB medication available online?
Yes, there are online pharmacies that offer a range of medications for treating active tuberculosis. It's important to consult a healthcare professional before purchasing any medication.
What are the side effects of TB medications?
Common side effects of TB medications include nausea, vomiting, jaundice, and flu-like symptoms. It's crucial to discuss any side effects with a healthcare provider.
How long does TB treatment last?
TB treatment typically lasts for a minimum of 6 months, and in some cases, may extend to 9 months or longer. It's important to complete the full course of treatment as prescribed.
Is TB vaccine effective in preventing active TB?
The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can provide some protection against severe forms of TB in children but its effectiveness in preventing adult pulmonary TB is limited.
Can TB develop resistance to medications?
Yes, TB bacteria can become resistant to the antibiotics used to treat the infection. This is known as drug-resistant TB and may require different medications.
Are there any natural remedies for TB?
While there are no natural remedies that can cure TB, a healthy diet, good hygiene, adequate rest, and a clean environment can support the body's immune system during treatment.
Can latent TB become active?
Yes, latent TB infection can progress to active TB, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems or other risk factors. Regular screening and early treatment are important.
Can TB transmission be prevented?
Preventing TB transmission requires identifying and treating individuals with active TB promptly, ensuring good ventilation, and using protective measures such as masks in healthcare settings.
Is it safe to be around someone with active TB?
Close contacts of individuals with active TB may be at risk of infection. It's important to follow healthcare guidelines and seek testing and treatment if exposed to active TB.
Can TB affect other organs besides the lungs?
Yes, active TB can affect other organs such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. This is known as extrapulmonary TB and may require different approaches to diagnosis and treatment.
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Information provided by Maryam Abdullahi-Mahdi. Reviewed by Mr. Matthew Liew