Tuberculosis: General Information and Remedies

 

Tuberculosis: General Information and Remedies

General Information

·         Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium 'Mycobacterium tuberculosis'. 

·         The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis was discovered by Sir Robert Cock on March 24, 1882.

·         Tuberculosis is also known as Cox infection and World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated on March 24. 

·         Tuberculosis is spread through the air (by coughing, sneezing of the patient), the germs of the disease mainly affect the lungs, so the incidence of pulmonary tuberculosis is the highest. 

Types of tuberculosis

1) Lungs

2) Other organs (glands, bones / joints, kidneys, meninges, intestines, skin, etc.).

Symptoms of tuberculosis  

1)      Cough lasting for three weeks or more,

2)      Weight loss

3)      Bleeding from the fog,

4)      Loss of appetite etc. 

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

v  The Mantoux test is used to diagnose tuberculosis in young children.

v  Dhunki Inspection (Bedka) - The most reliable, lowcost method.  Three samples of suspected patient smoke are examined.

v  'X-ray examination - X-ray of the chest.  Less convincing than the above check.  A specific specialist is required. 

v  Immunizations - Children from 0 to 1 year of age are vaccinated against tuberculosis.  That vaccine is called 'BCC' (Bacillus colmet neurin). 

National Tuberculosis Control Program was started in 1962.  The program focused on X-ray examination and the duration of medication.  The (Long Term) Revised National Tuberculosis Control Program (RNTCP) was launched in 1992-93. 

Tuberculosis patients are given four types of tablets (rifampicin, pyrazinamide, combutol, isoniazid) as well as injections of 'streptomycin' under direct supervision in the Improved urology Medication Program.  (For category two only)

(1) This method of medication is called DOTS.

(2) Longform (DOTS) - Directly Observed Treatment With Short Course chemotherapy

(3) There are three categories of treatment methods.  (4) For category 1 and 3, treatment is usually given for 6 months. 

(4) Category 2 is usually treated for 8 months. 

(5) It involves 24 injections of streptomycin. 

(6) T.B.  Research Center is located in Chennai.  While the National T.B.  The research institute is at Bangalore.