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What is Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by mycobacterium Tuberculosis. This disease primarily affects the lungs, but can also impact other parts of the body, such kidneys, spine and brain. There are three kinds of Tuberculosis, namely, latent Tuberculosis, active Tuberculosis and drug-resistant Tuberculosis.

Latent Tuberculosis

In latent Tuberculosis, the body’s immune system keeps the Tuberculosis bacteria under control, so no infection occurs in the body. A person who has latent Tuberculosis shows no symptoms. A person with latent Tuberculosis cannot pass the disease.

Active Tuberculosis

Active Tuberculosis occurs when the body’s immune system cannot control an infection. Tuberculosis bacteria can spread throughout the lungs or other parts of the body. This usually happens after months or years of latent Tuberculosis. People with active Tuberculosis in the lungs or voice box can spread the disease via tiny droplets which contain the bacteria when they speak, sing, laugh, cough or sneeze. A person who is taking drugs to treat active Tuberculosis cannot pass the disease after two-three weeks of getting treatment.

Drug-resistant Tuberculosis

Some forms of Tuberculosis stop reacting against drugs/antibiotics, which is known as drug-resistant Tuberculosis. This simply means that drugs/antibiotics that once cured the disease no longer work. This happens due to:
Naturally occurring genetic changes in bacteria: a genetic change in the bacteria can make it more likely for the bacteria to survive against an antibiotic
When antibiotics are used incorrectly or the drugs fail to kill all the bacteria – these conditions are ideal for more-resistant bacteria versions to occur and multiply. If these are passed on to other people, new drug-resistant strain can grow

Causes of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called mycobacterium Tuberculosis.

Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis

The symptoms of active Tuberculosis usually develop slowly and can be mistaken for other illnesses. Common symptoms of Tuberculosis include:

Symptoms

Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer

The bacteria that causes Tuberculosis, mycobacterium Tuberculosis, activates neurons in the lungs which trigger the cough reflex and result in persistent cough

Chest pain

This can be caused due to a number of reasons in Tuberculosis, including pleural effusion, scar tissue contraction and an infection of the pericardium (sac around the heart)

Coughing up blood or phlegm

Erosion of the bronchial artery, dilated bronchial vessel or destruction of lung tissue can cause presence of blood or phlegm in cough

Unintentional weight loss

Weight loss during Tuberculosis happens due to inflammation and altered metabolism

Fatigue

Fatigue happens due to the body’s immune system working constantly for fighting the Tuberculosis infection

Fever and chills

Due to the body’s system reaction to Tuberculosis which involves the entire body, fever and chills are experienced

Night sweats

As the body’s cortisol levels decrease at night, it can lead to an increase in the body’s temperature

Do you have any of the following symptoms?

• Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood of phelgm’
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats

Tuberculosis Infection in Children

Children infected with Tuberculosis can have many symptoms, while some may have none at all.

Some of the symptoms are:
Common symptoms: cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, reduced appetite and lethargy
Other symptoms: swollen glands, back swelling, seizures and chest pain

Symptoms depend on the area affected by Tuberculosis infection

A pediatrician may do one of two tests to diagnose TB in children, either TB skin test (TST) or TB blood test (IGRA). In TST, an inactive piece of the TB germ is injected into the forearm, and skin is checked for swelling and redness 2-3 days later. In IGRA, a blood sample is drawn and sent to a lab for testing.

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Diagnosing Tuberculosis involves a combination of medical history, physical examination and tests. The most common diagnostic tools include:
Tuberculin skin test (TST): a small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin, and the reaction to the same is observed after 48-72 hours
Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs): blood tests that measure immune response to TB-specific antigens
Chest x-ray: it is used to identify lung damage
Phlegm tests: samples of phlegm are analysed for the presence of TB bacteria

Complications of Tuberculosis

There is a risk of developing complications from Tuberculosis, for people who do not receive proper or complete treatment. Tuberculosis can cause many complications, if uncontrolled, including:
Lung damage: permanent lung damage can occur
Infection of other body parts: Tuberculosis can spread to bones, spine, brain, lymph nodes and skin
Meningitis: children under the age of five who are infected by Tuberculosis, can develop a more serious condition known as meningitis, which is a disease of the fluid around the brain and spinal column
Acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS): this lung condition prevents lungs from getting enough oxygen into the blood. This can result in stiffness of the lungs
Pneumothorax: this condition occurs when air accumulates in the pleural cavity between the lung and chest wall. It prevents the lungs from fully expanding
Bronchiectasis: this is a chronic lung disease which widens and weakens the airways in the lung
Fibrothorax: this condition is characterised by accumulation of fibrous tissue in pleural cavity due to undrained pleural fluid
Death

How to Prevent Tuberculosis

There are several methods to prevent Tuberculosis:
Vaccination: Bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine can provide some protection against TB, particularly for severe forms in children, but its effectiveness in adults varies
Screening & early diagnosis: the identification and treatment of latent TB is essential in high-risk populations
Public health measures: by improving living conditions, promoting good ventilation, and reducing overcrowding, the spread of TB can be curtailed
Education: raising awareness about TB transmission and the importance of treatment can empower communities to take preventive measures

Jiva Ayunique™ Treatment of Philosophy - A Holistic Approach to Tuberculosis

HACCP Certified Ayurvedic Medicines: Scientifically-formulated mixtures that help restore balance in the body and maintain emotional stability.

Panchakarma Therapy: Snehana, Swedana, Vamana and Virechana are effective Panchakarma therapies which are helpful in restoring the balance of doshas and providing relief from TB symptoms.

Diet Changes: Including a red rice variety and barley seeds in your diet and consuming fruits like pomegranate, amalaki and mango can help manage Tuberculosis. Avoid consumption of fried and fatty food. Certain vegetables like bitter gourd and brinjal can be harmful, so it is better to avoid them.

Lifestyle Modifications: Getting proper rest and enough sleep is vital for recovery and healing. Avoid, however, sleeping during the day time and extreme emotions such as anger.

Ayurvedic Medicine for Tuberculosis

Ayurveda is a traditional system of medicine of India which includes the usage of herbs for rebalancing the energies in the body and improving overall health. In cases of diseases such as Tuberculosis, specific Ayurvedic medicines are used which concentrate on improving respiratory health. Listed below are a few recommended Ayurvedic herbs which can help in managing Tuberculosis.
Ashwagandha: it is a powerful herb which helps in boosting immunity as well as improving lung and heart health
Turmeric: its anti-inflammatory power and potent antioxidants give relief and provide a boost to the immune system
Neem: it helps to detoxify the body and help fight against infection

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Who is at risk of getting infected by TB?

Several factors can increase the risk of developing active TB:
HIV/AIDS: HIV infection significantly weakens the immune system, which makes individuals more susceptible to TB
Living conditions: overcrowded and poorly ventilated environments facilitate the spread of TB
Healthcare access: limited access to healthcare can delay diagnosis and treatment
Malnutrition: poor nutrition weakens the immune system’s response, which in turn increases vulnerability
Substance abuse: alcohol and drug use compromise the immune system and contribute to TB progression

How to cure Tuberculosis?

The main treatment for TB is to take antibiotics for at least 6 months. If the infection spreads to your brain, spinal cord or around your heart area, steroid medicine may also be needed for a few weeks.

How is Tuberculosis spread?

TB is transmitted primarily through airborne particles. When an infected person coughs, sneezes or even talks, tiny droplets containing the bacteria can be inhaled by people who are nearby. Not everyone, however, who is infected with Tuberculosis becomes sick. Many individuals can carry the bacteria in a state known as latent Tuberculosis. In this case, the immune system effectively contains the bacteria and prevents the illness from occurring.