What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis, known among the public as "tuberculosis", Mycobacterium tuberculosis It is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacterium called tuberculosis. This disease usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. Since tuberculosis is a respiratory disease, it can be transmitted to others by an infected person coughing or sneezing. This poses a major health risk, especially in closed areas and crowded environments.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The most common symptoms of tuberculosis include:
- Prolonged cough: A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks and produces bloody sputum.
- Fire: Fever rising especially in the evening hours.
- Night sweats: Excessive sweating at night.
- Unexplained weight loss: Weight loss without a change in diet.
- Tiredness: A constant state of exhaustion.
These symptoms can often be perceived by patients as a simple infection, which can lead to a delay in early diagnosis and treatment.
Prevalence of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis continues to be a widespread health problem worldwide. Especially in developing countries, tuberculosis rates are higher due to social and economic factors. In Türkiye, the rate of tuberculosis has decreased in recent years thanks to improved health services. However, it is still encountered at a frequency of 100 per 14 thousand. This situation reveals the seriousness of the disease and its impact on public health.
Tuberculosis Treatment
Tuberculosis stands out as a completely treatable disease today. The treatment process, Sağlık Bakanlığı
However, if the drugs are not used regularly, resistant tuberculosis may develop. This makes the treatment process more difficult and increases the risk of the disease spreading. Therefore, it is very important for patients to follow the treatment process carefully and cooperate with their healthcare professionals.
Transmission Routes and Precautions
Since tuberculosis is a respiratory disease, it spreads through contact with bacteria that are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. For this reason, people with tuberculosis should undergo health checks in their immediate vicinity. In our country, these checks are carried out free of charge at Tuberculosis Dispensaries.
The risk of infection is particularly high among individuals who share the same home. Therefore, it is important for tuberculosis patients to pay attention to the treatment process and to follow hygiene rules. In addition, tuberculosis vaccination stands out as a preventive measure applied during infancy. However, since the protection of vaccination is low in adults, early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis is the most effective method for controlling the disease.
Early Diagnosis and Its Importance
Tuberculosis is a disease that can be completely cured with early diagnosis and regular treatment. Individuals who experience symptoms such as prolonged cough, expectoration, and night sweats should consult a doctor without delay. Ignoring these symptoms can cause the disease to progress and make the treatment process more difficult.
In addition, since tuberculosis is a contagious disease, it is vital that patients be careful during the treatment process and ensure that those around them also undergo health checks. In this way, the risk of the disease spreading can be reduced and public health can be protected.
As a result
Tuberculosis is a disease that has existed throughout human history and is still a major health problem today. However, thanks to the treatment options provided by modern medicine, tuberculosis has become a completely treatable disease. Early diagnosis, regular treatment and public health measures are important steps in the fight against tuberculosis. The cooperation of health workers and individuals plays a critical role in controlling this disease.
