How to check for tuberculosis in children

Disease science

How to Check for Tuberculosis in Children

Too-Yourhealth

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that can affect any part of the body, but most commonly affects the lungs. It is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Children are more likely to develop TB than ***s, and they can be more severely affected by the disease.

Symptoms of TB in children

The symptoms of TB in children can vary depending on the part of the body that is affected. The most common symptoms include:

Fever

Chills

Night sweats

Weight loss

Fatigue

Loss of appetite

Cough

Shortness of breath

Chest pain

Swollen lymph nodes

How to check for TB in children

There are a number of tests that can be used to check for TB in children. The most common test is the tuberculin skin test (TST). The TST is a simple test that involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin into the skin. If the child has been infected with TB, a raised, red bump will appear at the injection site within 48-72 hours.

Another test that can be used to check for TB in children is the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). The IGRA is a blood test that measures the child's immune response to TB. A positive IGRA result indicates that the child has been infected with TB.

Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray can be used to diagnose TB if it shows signs of infection in the lungs. A chest X-ray can also be used to rule out other conditions that may be causing the child's symptoms.

Sputum culture

A sputum culture is a test that is used to diagnose TB by growing the bacteria in a laboratory. A sputum culture is collected by having the child cough up a sample of mucus from their lungs.

Treatment for TB in children

TB is treated with antibiotics. The type of antibiotics used and the length of treatment will depend on the age of the child, the severity of the infection, and the child's overall health.

Prevention of TB in children

The best way to prevent TB in children is to vaccinate them with the Bacillus Calmette-Gu茅rin (BCG) vaccine. The BCG vaccine is a live vaccine that is given to children in many countries around the world. The BCG vaccine is not 100% effective, but it can help to protect children from developing TB.

Other ways to prevent TB in children include:

Avoiding contact with people who have TB

Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze

Washing your hands frequently

Getting vaccinated against TB if you are traveling to a country where TB is common

If you think your child may have TB, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.

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