What is Open Tuberculosis?
Open tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It is spread through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks. People with open TB are more likely to spread the infection to others than people with latent TB.
Latent TB is a type of TB infection that is not active. People with latent TB do not have any symptoms and cannot spread the infection to others. However, latent TB can become active at any time, so it is important to get treatment if you have a positive TB skin test.
Symptoms of open TB
The most common symptom of open TB is a persistent cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks. Other symptoms may include:
Fever
Night sweats
Chills
Fatigue
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Chest pain
Hemoptysis (coughing up blood)
Diagnosis of open TB
Open TB is diagnosed with a chest X-ray and a sputum test. A chest X-ray can show if there are any abnormalities in the lungs that are consistent with TB. A sputum test can confirm the presence of TB bacteria.
Treatment of open TB
Open TB is treated with a course of antibiotics. The antibiotics are usually taken for 6 to 9 months. It is important to take the antibiotics exactly as prescribed by your doctor, even if you start to feel better. If you do not take all of the antibiotics, the TB bacteria could become resistant to the drugs and the infection could become more difficult to treat.
Prevention of open TB
The best way to prevent open TB is to get vaccinated against TB. The TB vaccine is available for free at most health clinics. Other ways to prevent TB include:
Avoiding contact with people who have active TB
Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze
Washing your hands frequently
Getting plenty of rest
Eating a healthy diet
Exercising regularly
Outlook for people with open TB
With early diagnosis and treatment, most people with open TB can be cured. However, if the infection is not treated, it can lead to serious complications, such as:
Lung damage
Respiratory failure
Death
If you think you might have TB, it is important to see a doctor right away. Early diagnosis and treatment can help to prevent serious complications.
The above is all the content that the editor wants to share with you. I sincerely hope that these contents can bring some help to your life and health, and I also wish that your life will be happier and happier.
Topic: #is #what #tuberculosis
