Initial phase Tuberculosis
Initial Phase Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a type of bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB). It is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, and is particularly common in developing countries. Initial phase TB, or primary TB, is the initial infection of the lungs by the TB bacteria.
Early symptoms of primary TB can include:
- Persistent cough
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Shortness of breath
- Loss of appetite
- Weight Loss
- Chills
To diagnosis primary TB, a doctor will usually order a chest X-ray and a sputum test. In a sputum test, a sample of mucus is taken from the lungs and analyzed for the presence of the TB bacteria. If the sputum test is positive for the bacteria, the doctor may also perform a skin or blood test to measure the body’s immune response to the infection.
Treatment for primary TB usually involves a combination of antibiotics taken for a period of six to twelve months. If the infection is not treated properly, the TB bacteria can spread to other parts of the body and cause secondary TB. Treatment failures are also possible, so it’s important to follow all of your doctor’s instructions for taking the medication properly.
In addition to taking medication, people with primary TB should practice good health habits such as eating a well-balanced diet, getting plenty of rest and exercise, and avoiding smoking and drinking alcohol. If the infection is not treated, it can lead to serious health complications as the TB bacteria continues to spread.