What is pulmonary tuberculosis?

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Overview of pulmonary tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis, also known as respiratory tuberculosis, is an infection caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, bones, kidneys and pleura.

Pulmonary tuberculosis is spread primarily through breathing in Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterial particles from a person with tuberculosis who coughs or sneezes. When bacteria enter the lungs, they attack and destroy tissues and lungs, causing inflammation and lesions. Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include prolonged cough, cough with phlegm, fever, fatigue, weight loss, chest pain and difficulty breathing.

To diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis, your doctor will usually order a sputum test to detect the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in it. At the same time, imaging methods such as chest X-rays and CT scans can also be used to determine the extent of damage in the lungs.

Treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis usually involves a combination of anti-TB drugs over a long period of time, usually at least 6 months or more. Full compliance with the treatment regimen is important to ensure complete eradication of TB bacteria and prevent the development of drug-resistant strains of bacteria.

In addition, preventing tuberculosis is also very important. This includes getting vaccinated against tuberculosis (BCG) and maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including limiting contact with people with tuberculosis and maintaining a strong immune system.

If you suspect you have tuberculosis, consult your doctor for advice, diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

Cause of pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by a pathogenic bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This is a bacteria that spreads mainly through the air from a person infected with tuberculosis to others. Below are the main causes that contribute to the spread and development of tuberculosis:

1. Infection from sick people : When a person with tuberculosis or sneezes, tuberculosis bacteria can come into contact with the air and be transmitted to people around them. TB bacteria can live in the air for long periods of time, and the respiratory tract is a common route for the bacteria to enter another person’s body.
2. Direct contact with sources of infection : TB bacteria can be transmitted through direct contact with infected objects or environments. For example, if a person touches an item contaminated with tuberculosis and then touches their nose, mouth, or eyes, the bacteria can enter their body.
3. Weak immune system: People with weak or weakened immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, people taking immunosuppressant drugs, or people with chronic illnesses, are at high risk of getting infected with tuberculosis. lungs and develop severe pulmonary tuberculosis.
4. Unfavorable living conditions: Unfavorable living conditions such as poor sanitation, poverty, malnutrition and concentrated living conditions (such as prisons, refugee camps, labor camps) can create Ideal environment for the spread and growth of tuberculosis bacteria.
5. Contact with animal sources of tuberculosis: Some animals can be infected with tuberculosis, and people who come into contact with them can contract tuberculosis. However, this is uncommon and it is believed that direct person-to-person transmission is the main method.

Understanding the causes of tuberculosis can help in preventing and controlling the disease. BCG vaccination and maintaining a healthy and hygienic living environment are important measures to prevent the spread of tuberculosis.

Signs of pulmonary tuberculosis

Tuberculosis can have different signs and symptoms depending on the stage and severity of the disease. Here are some common signs of tuberculosis:

1. Prolonged cough: Cough is the most common symptom of tuberculosis. At first, the cough may be insignificant, but then becomes persistent and difficult to treat. In particular, coughing often occurs in the early morning or late evening.
2. Cough with phlegm : Cough with phlegm is an important sign of pulmonary tuberculosis. Sputum is usually white or pale yellow initially, but can turn green or bloody in the advanced stages of the disease.
3. Fever : Tuberculosis also often causes fever, especially in the afternoon. Fever can vary from mild to high.
4. Fatigue: Symptoms of fatigue and physical weakness often occur in people with tuberculosis.
5. Weight loss: Tuberculosis can cause rapid and unexplained weight loss.
6. Chest pain : Some people with tuberculosis may experience chest pain or discomfort in the chest area.
7. Difficulty breathing : In severe cases, tuberculosis can cause difficulty breathing and a feeling of suffocation.

In addition, pulmonary tuberculosis can affect other parts of the body, causing other symptoms such as bone pain, weakness in limbs, coughing up blood, or symptoms related to damaged organs such as brain, kidneys, liver, or bones.

If you have any signs or symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis, consult your doctor for early diagnosis and treatment.

Good foods for tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria and requires treatment with specialized antibiotics. However, a healthy diet and adequate nutrition can support the recovery process and strengthen the body’s immune system. Here are some good foods for tuberculosis:

1. Protein-rich foods : Consuming adequate amounts of protein provides the necessary substances to regenerate and restore body tissue. Increase your consumption of meat, poultry, seafood, beans, nuts, milk and nonfat dairy products.
2. Fresh vegetables and fruits: Fresh vegetables and fruits are rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants, which help provide energy and support the immune system. Eat a variety of green vegetables, fresh fruits, and fruits high in vitamin C such as oranges, kiwis, pineapples, and watermelons.
3. Milk and dairy products: Milk and dairy products are rich in calcium and vitamin D, which help supplement bone nutrients and provide energy for the body. Choose fat-free milk, natural yogurt and low-fat cheeses.
4. Nuts: Nuts contain many important nutrients such as vitamin E, fiber and antioxidants. Add flaxseeds, chia seeds, sunflower seeds and walnuts to your daily diet.
5. Complex carbs : Choose complex carb sources like brown rice, barley, peanuts, sweet potatoes and corn to provide lasting energy and fiber.
6. Water : Drink enough water to maintain water balance in the body and aid digestion and detoxification.

Avoid foods high in sugar, fast food, processed foods, and stimulants such as caffeine and alcohol that can irritate and stress the immune system.

Remember that diet is only part of the treatment for tuberculosis. Always follow the instructions and instructions of your doctor or medical professional.

Foods to avoid for tuberculosis

For patients with tuberculosis, there are certain foods and habits to avoid to help limit negative effects and support the treatment process. Here are some foods and habits that you should limit or avoid:

1. Foods high in fat : Limit consumption of foods high in fat, such as animal fats, fried foods, fast foods and greasy foods. Fat can cause weight gain, cause fatigue and affect the body’s recovery process.
2. Sugar and sugar-rich foods : Avoid consuming too much sugar and sugar-rich foods such as sweets, soft drinks, candies and products made with white sugar. Sugar can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of blood sugar-related diseases.
3. Foods containing caffeine : Limit consumption of beverages containing caffeine such as coffee, tea and caffeinated soft drinks. Caffeine can cause insomnia and increase feelings of anxiety.
4. Indigestible foods: Avoid eating indigestible foods such as high-fiber foods, spicy foods, and fried foods. These foods can cause discomfort and increase stomach acid secretion.
5. Alcohol and tobacco: Avoid alcohol and tobacco use. Alcohol and tobacco can weaken the immune system and increase the risk of dependence and other medical conditions.
6. Processed foods: Limit consumption of processed foods, fast foods and fried foods. These foods often contain a lot of preservatives, colorings and unhealthy fats.

Remember, each person may have different nutritional requirements, so if you have tuberculosis, talk to your doctor or dietitian for specific dietary advice that is right for you. .

Medicines to treat tuberculosis

Treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis usually involves using a regimen of specialized antibiotics over a prolonged period of time. Commonly used tuberculosis medications include:

1. Isoniazid (INH): This is a very important and popular anti-tuberculosis antibiotic. INH is commonly used in the treatment of both infectious and non-infectious pulmonary tuberculosis.
2. Rifampicin (RIF) : RIF is an effective anti-tuberculosis antibiotic, often used in combination with INH. The combination of INH and RIF is a typical therapy in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis.
3. Pyrazinamide (PZA): PZA is also an important anti-tuberculosis antibiotic, often used in combination with INH and RIF in the initial phase of treatment.
4. Ethambutol (EMB): EMB is an anti-tuberculosis antibiotic added to Retinol’s anti-aging drug. It is often used in combination with other medications to stop the growth of TB bacteria.
5. Streptomycin : Streptomycin is an anti-tuberculosis antibiotic of the aminoglycoside group. It is often used in cases of drug resistance or when tuberculosis bacteria are resistant to drugs.

In addition, in some special cases, doctors may use other antibiotics or combine different drugs depending on the patient’s condition and characteristics.

Most importantly, the use of anti-tuberculosis drugs and the treatment process must comply with the prescribed dosage and duration. At the same time, regularly monitor and comply with your doctor’s instructions to ensure treatment effectiveness and prevent the development of drug-resistant tuberculosis bacteria.

Oriental medicine and herbal medicine to treat tuberculosis

Currently, treating tuberculosis through oriental medicine and herbs has not been proven effective and is not recommended as an official method. Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease caused by tuberculosis bacteria, and treatment is mainly based on the use of specialized antibiotics.

However, in some small studies, some herbs and foods may have some supportive effects in the treatment of tuberculosis. Here are some herbs and foods that may benefit lung health and the immune system:

1. Ginger : Ginger has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, which can help support the recovery process. You can use fresh ginger in cooking or drinking ginger tea.
2. Garlic : Garlic also has antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and may benefit the immune system. Add garlic to your daily food preparation.
3. Pineapple : Pineapple contains an enzyme called bromelain, which reduces inflammation and aids in the recovery process. You can eat pineapple directly or use fresh pineapple juice.
4. Rosemary : Rosemary has anti-bacterial and anti-inflammatory properties, and may assist in relieving symptoms of tuberculosis. You can use rosemary in cooking or drinking rosemary tea.

However, before using any herbal or oriental medicine, consult your doctor or medical professional. They will have the knowledge and experience to evaluate whether this treatment is appropriate and safe for your specific health condition.