What Happens When You Have TB?

Though TB, or tuberculosis, is considered a disease of the past in the United States, it is still very serious, affecting many people in third-world countries or those with immune deficiency. TB is a disease of the lungs but, more critically, untreated cases can spread to other parts of the body.

History

• Tuberculosis, or TB, is caused by the Mycobacteria tuberculosis bacterium. Until the 1940s, tuberculosis was the leading cause of death in the United States. It is still prevalent in undeveloped countries where medication is not readily available. Also, tuberculosis rates in the early 21st century have increased due to the presence of the HIV virus. HIV prevents the body from properly combating TB. Up to a third of the world’s population may become infected with TB sometime in their lifetime. Many of these people will have inactive TB, meaning they will not show any symptoms but will remain contagious.

Tuberculosis

• Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease of the lungs. TB enters the lungs by means of tiny droplets in the air. To be exposed to TB, someone has to be in the presence of an infected person for an extended time. For example, if someone with TB is on a public elevator, it is unlikely they will pass it to someone else. Once bacteria enters the chest, it will settle on top of the lungs’ cells. From there, it will reproduce and continue attacking the body. More serious cases of TB will attack other parts of the body. The kidneys, spine and brain are all susceptible to TB infection. If left untreated, the disease can be fatal.

Symptoms

• When tuberculosis attacks cells, the body may experience a number of symptoms--fever, headaches and fatigue are common. Since tuberculosis affects the lungs, coughing with or without mucus, difficulty breathing, and pleurisy, a type of chest pain, are all typical. Victims may also notice they have swollen glands. A terrifying and critical symptom of TB is coughing up blood. Anyone with this symptom should see a doctor or go to a hospital immediately.

Drug Treatments

• Antibiotics attack and kill TB bacteria.

  If the doctor suspects a tuberculosis infection, he may prescribe an antibiotic immediately, even before test results come back. There are a number of popular drugs used to treat TB, including Isoniaizid, Rifampin and Pyranzinamide. These antibiotics begin attacking TB immediately. Unfortunately, the bacteria take a while to die--sometimes up to a year. Some strains of TB are drug-resistant, meaning some antibiotics are not effective against TB.

Nutrition and Herbs

• While drugs can be used to fight TB, proper nutrition and certain herbs can alleviate symptoms as well. Certain fruits--cherries and blueberries--have antioxidants that can relieve symptoms. Certain herbs, such as green tea and aged garlic, have antioxidants and have been shown to strengthen the immune system.