Tuberculosis

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Table of Contents

Other names for Tuberculosis

TB
Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection
Pulmonary tuberculosis

Synopsis of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other organs such as the brain, kidneys, or bones. It is transmitted through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. TB can be latent (non-contagious and symptom-free) or active (symptomatic and transmissible). Symptoms develop slowly over weeks and include chronic cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. While treatable with a long course of antibiotics, TB requires close medical supervision to prevent complications, drug resistance, or transmission.

Types:

  • Latent TB infection (LTBI): Bacteria are present but inactive; no symptoms and not contagious

  • Active TB disease: Bacteria multiply and cause illness, especially in the lungs (pulmonary TB)

  • Extrapulmonary TB: Affects organs outside the lungs (e.g., lymph nodes, bones, brain)

  • Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB): Resistant to standard antibiotic treatment

Common Causes:

  • Inhalation of airborne droplets from an infected individual

  • Weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS, malnutrition)

  • Living or working in crowded or poorly ventilated conditions

  • History of TB exposure or incomplete treatment

  • Travel or residence in high-incidence regions

Severity Causes:

  • Delay in diagnosis and treatment

  • Drug resistance (MDR or extensively drug-resistant TB)

  • Co-infections (especially HIV)

  • Poor nutritional status or chronic health conditions

  • Lung damage or systemic spread of the infection

When to See a Doctor:

  • Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks

  • Coughing up blood or thick sputum

  • Fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss

  • Chest pain or difficulty breathing

  • Known exposure to someone with active TB

  • Reactivation signs in previously treated TB patients

Natural remedies for Tuberculosis

Vitamin C: Supports immune function and may help reduce bacterial load when used alongside antibiotics, according to some research.

Probiotics: Help restore gut flora disrupted by prolonged antibiotic use and support systemic immune balance.

Ashwagandha: Adaptogen that helps manage fatigue, stress, and immune weakness during long-term infections.

Magnesium: Supports respiratory health and eases muscle fatigue or tension during chronic illness.

Vitamin B6: Often supplemented during TB treatment, especially with isoniazid, to prevent nerve damage and support energy metabolism.

Zinc: Enhances immune defense and tissue repair, especially critical in chronic infections like TB.

Adequate rest and nutrition: High-protein, calorie-rich meals help rebuild immune strength and support recovery during long-term treatment.

Avoiding alcohol and smoking: Both impair immune function and lung healing, worsening TB outcomes.

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