What Is The Disease Of Consumption?

The disease of consumption also known as tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys spine brain.

How does tuberculosis spread?

Tuberculosis spreads through the air when an infected person coughs sneezes or talks. People who inhale the bacteria can become infected. However not everyone who is infected with the bacterium develops the disease. In some cases the bacteria remain inactive the person is said to have latent tuberculosis. In others the infection becomes active causing the disease to manifest.

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

The symptoms of tuberculosis vary depending on which part of the body is affected. In pulmonary tuberculosis which affects the lungs the following symptoms may occur:

• Coughing that lasts for more than two weeks
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or phlegm

In extrapulmonary tuberculosis which affects other parts of the body symptoms may include:

• Back pain
• Joint pain
• Tingling or loss of sensation in the limbs
• Abdominal pain swelling
• Headaches confusion
• Difficulty breathing

How is tuberculosis diagnosed?

To diagnose tuberculosis doctors may use a combination of tests including:

• Tuberculin skin test (also known as the Mantoux test)
• Blood tests
• Chest X-ray
• Sputum culture sensitivity tests (to check for the presence of the bacteria determine which antibiotics will be effective)

What is the treatment for tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is treatable curable with the right medications. The standard treatment for active tuberculosis usually involves a combination of medications taken over several months. Antibiotics such as isoniazid rifampin ethambutol are commonly used to kill the bacteria. Treatment for latent tuberculosis usually involves a shorter course of antibiotics.

How can tuberculosis be prevented?

To prevent the spread of tuberculosis it is important to:

• Get vaccinated with the bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine
• Treat tuberculosis infection promptly
• Practice good hygiene such as covering your mouth nose when you cough or sneeze washing your hands frequently
• Avoid close contact with people who have active tuberculosis
• Improve ventilation in living quarters to reduce the concentration of airborne bacteria

Conclusion

The disease of consumption or tuberculosis is a serious illness that can be life-threatening if left untreated. However with prompt diagnosis appropriate treatment most people with tuberculosis can be cured. Preventive measures such as vaccination good hygiene avoiding close contact with infected individuals can also help to reduce the spread of the disease.