Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (consumption) is a bacterial infectious disease that usually attacks the lungs.

1 May 2021 | 5 Min. Reading Time

Overview

Tuberculosis (consumption) is a bacterial infectious disease that usually attacks the lungs. The bacteria are transmitted through droplet infection. Apart from asymptomatic and mild cases, the disease can also cause severe coughing with blood-stained sputum, fever and shortness of breath, among other things. Don’t delay going to the doctor if these symptoms occur. The vaccination is no longer recommended.

Symptoms

General

Symptoms can occur 4 to 8 weeks after the initial infection
Usually asymptomatic, bacteria are inactive
Approx. 25% of the world's population carry the TB bacteria
- Latent infection, not contagious
Developed countries: HIV/Aids and immigration have caused an increase in case numbers and impact

Initial stage (primary tuberculosis)

Lethargy, fatigue
Coughing producing phlegm, sometimes blood
Shortness of breath on exertion
Slight fever
Night sweats
Pain in the chest
Loss of appetite
Weight loss

Post-primary or reactivation stage

Encapsulated primary infection is reactivated, often because of immune deficiency
Worsening of general health
Severe cough producing yellowish-green, sometimes bloody phlegm
Shortness of breath
High fever
Any organ can be affected: lymph nodes, bones, skin, bowel, urinary tract, meninges, etc.

Causes and treatment

Causes

Pathogens: what are known as mycobacteria
Transmission: droplet infection (coughing, sneezing, sputum)
Risk factors
- Risk areas: highest prevalence in sub-Saharan Africa, South and South-East Asia, Mongolia
- Weakened immune system (HIV, some medicines, etc.)
- Chronic illnesses (diabetes, cancer, renal dysfunction)
- Undernourishment
- Drug addiction and alcoholism
- Damaged lungs (e.g. COPD)

Further treatment by your doctor / in hospital

Possible tests

Blood test
Search for pathogen (direct or indirect)
- Tuberculin skin test
- Interferon-y release assay
- Sputum analysis (e.g. phlegm)
Imaging tests
- Chest x-ray
- CT scan (computed tomography), if necessary

Possible therapies

Standard: four-fold combination therapy (medication)
- Tuberculostats (anti-TB medication)
- Duration: as a rule, 6 months
Isolation for active tuberculosis (contagious)
BCG vaccination is no longer recommended (given by way of exception)

What can I do myself?

Symptoms occur
- Don’t delay a visit to the doctor
- Wear a face mask
Pregnancy: no contact with tuberculosis patients (to protect the unborn baby)
General
- Healthy lifestyle and diet (to strengthen the immune system)
- Apply general hygiene measures