Tuberculosis, Active FAQ
What are the symptoms of active tuberculosis?
Common symptoms include persistent cough, chest pain, blood in sputum, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and fatigue.
How is active tuberculosis diagnosed?
Diagnosis often involves a combination of imaging tests, laboratory tests, and skin or blood tests, as well as taking a medical history and performing a physical exam.
Is active tuberculosis contagious?
Yes, active tuberculosis is contagious and can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
How is active tuberculosis treated?
Treatment usually involves a combination of several antibiotics taken for at least 6 to 9 months. It's essential to complete the full course of medication to prevent the disease from returning and to reduce the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Can active tuberculosis be prevented?
Preventive measures include vaccination, early detection and treatment of latent tuberculosis infection, and minimizing exposure to infected individuals.
Is it possible to have active tuberculosis without symptoms?
Yes, it's possible to have tuberculosis without symptoms. This is known as latent tuberculosis infection and people with this condition are not contagious. However, without treatment, latent tuberculosis infection can progress to active tuberculosis.
Can children get active tuberculosis?
Yes, children can get active tuberculosis, but they are at higher risk of developing severe or disseminated disease. It's important for children to receive prompt and appropriate treatment.
How long does it take to recover from active tuberculosis?
Recovery from active tuberculosis varies for each individual. With proper and timely treatment, many people start feeling better within a few weeks, but completing the full course of medication is crucial to prevent drug resistance and recurrence of the disease.
Is there a vaccine for active tuberculosis?
Yes, there is a vaccine known as Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) that can help protect against severe forms of tuberculosis, such as TB meningitis in children. However, it is not fully reliable in preventing pulmonary tuberculosis in adults.
What should be done if someone in the household has active tuberculosis?
Those in close contact with an individual diagnosed with active tuberculosis should undergo testing and, if necessary, treatment to prevent the spread of the disease.
Can active tuberculosis come back after treatment?
Yes, relapses can occur, particularly if the full course of medication is not completed. Proper treatment adherence is crucial for preventing the recurrence of active tuberculosis.
Are there any dietary restrictions for people with active tuberculosis?
Patients with active tuberculosis are often advised to follow a healthy, balanced diet to support their immune system and aid in the recovery process. They may also need to adhere to specific dietary guidelines depending on their treatment regimen.
Is it safe to breastfeed if diagnosed with active tuberculosis?
Breastfeeding is generally safe for women with active tuberculosis, especially if they are receiving appropriate treatment. However, it's important to consult with a healthcare professional for individualized guidance.
Can active tuberculosis lead to other health complications?
If left untreated, active tuberculosis can lead to severe complications such as pleurisy, lung damage, difficulty breathing, and spread of the infection to other organs or tissues in the body.
What are the potential side effects of tuberculosis medications?
Common side effects of tuberculosis medications may include nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, jaundice, and changes in vision. It's important to report any adverse effects to the healthcare provider.
Can active tuberculosis be cured completely?
With proper diagnosis and adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen, active tuberculosis can be completely cured. However, it's essential to complete the full course of medication as instructed by the healthcare provider.
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