Symptoms of Tuberculosis in Lungs

Tuberculosis is a condition that used to afflict millions of people all over the world. Increased attention to a proper diet, and the development of vaccines and medications, have helped to reduce the presence of tuberculosis in the United States. However, it is important to report any symptoms of tuberculosis to a doctor immediately so that treatment can begin to help reduce the effects of the condition.

Identification

• Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that attacks the lungs. It is a contagious disease that can be transmitted between people on air droplets in the atmosphere, or through fluid contact such as sneezing. According to the Mayo Clinic, even though there have been advances in the treatment of tuberculosis over the years, it is estimated that nearly 2 million people die from the condition all over the world. Many people that become infected with the tuberculosis bacteria never wind up contracting the disease.

Types

• A very common form of tuberculosis is called latent tuberculosis. With this condition, the tuberculosis bacteria has infected the upper part of one of the lungs, but the body's immune system is able to contain the bacteria and prevent it from spreading. There are no symptoms associated with latent tuberculosis and the condition will remain dormant in the body either for the rest of the person's life, or until a strain of active tuberculosis bacteria comes along and initiates the disease.

Effects

• Active tuberculosis is the form of the disease that makes you ill, and is the form that can be contagious. Some of the common symptoms of active tuberculosis are flu-like symptoms such as a fever, chills, excessive sweating especially at night and nausea that can lead to vomiting. There may also be a loss of appetite that can lead to a noticeable weight loss. More advanced symptoms of active tuberculosis include a persistent and chronic cough that could eventually cough up blood, a difficulty breathing and sharp chest pains.

Considerations

• Since tuberculosis is a very contagious disease, it is possible for anyone near an infected person to contract it. People at risk for having tuberculosis develop into a serious condition are people with a lowered immune system thanks to HIV or AIDS, people that do not have enough of the proper vitamins and nutrients in their diet and older people. The Mayo Clinic also cites drug abuse and alcohol consumption as increased risk factors as well.

Prevention/Solution

• There is no treatment for latent tuberculosis. Cases of active tuberculosis will require a regiment of medications for several months in order to combat the problems. The medications may be changed during the course of the treatment depending on how the condition reacts.