Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis: main symptoms, diagnosis and treatment

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease can affect various organs, but the most common form is pulmonary tuberculosis. In this article we will look at the main symptoms, methods of diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis.

Symptoms of tuberculosis

The first signs of tuberculosis are symptoms of intoxication of the body: increased fatigue, irritability, loss of appetite, sweating, prolonged increase in body temperature to 37.5°C. Enlargement of the lymph nodes, especially the cervical ones, is often detected. Very often the tuberculosis process resembles influenza or pneumonia in the clinic. Sometimes the first symptoms of tuberculosis can be hoarseness and sore throat. When listening to the lungs, especially in the apical area, moist rales can be detected.

Diagnosis of tuberculosis

To diagnose tuberculosis, the allergic intradermal Mantoux test is used. The Mantoux reaction is carried out for mass detection of infected people using a special tuberculin syringe. 0.1 ml of tuberculin is injected intradermally into the middle third of the inner surface of the forearm. After the administration of tuberculin, on the 2-3rd day a specific skin thickening is formed - a papule. The size of the papule is measured with a transparent ruler on the 3rd day after tuberculin administration. The Mantoux reaction is considered negative in the complete absence of a papule or in the presence of a reaction of no more than 1 mm. The reaction is questionable when there is a papule measuring 2-4 mm, positive when there is a papule with a diameter of 5-16 mm, hyperergic (strongly expressed) when the diameter of the papule is 17 mm or more in children and 21 mm in adults. A change in the result of the reaction compared to last year (the “turn” of the Mantoux test) makes one think about infection with tuberculosis.

To confirm the diagnosis, chest fluorography, microbiological sputum culture, and tomography are required. Fluorography occupies a special place; it makes it possible to conduct a wide survey of the population and detect tuberculosis in the early stages.

Treatment of tuberculosis

Treatment of tuberculosis should be prescribed only by a doctor and carried out under his supervision. Treatment usually involves antibiotics, which must be taken for several months. It is important to take medications regularly and follow your doctor's recommendations. In case of incorrect or incomplete treatment, a relapse of the disease and the development of drug-resistant forms of mycobacteria are possible.

In addition, patients with tuberculosis are advised to adhere to a healthy lifestyle, strengthen the immune system, avoid contact with sick people, observe personal hygiene rules, and regularly visit a doctor to monitor their health.

In conclusion, tuberculosis is a serious disease that can lead to various complications and even death. It is important to consult a doctor promptly if suspicious symptoms appear and follow his recommendations for diagnosis and treatment. Following preventative measures and a healthy lifestyle will also help reduce the risk of contracting tuberculosis.

**Tuberculosis** is an infectious disease caused by pathogenic mycobacteria. This disease affects people of all ages and can occur in several forms, from mild to the most dangerous diagnosis - tuberculoma. Unfortunately, to this day tuberculosis is a leading disease among other infections.

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by various types of mycobacteria. The lungs and lymph nodes are most often affected. In most cases, tuberculosis is an airborne disease, but it can also have other routes of transmission (for example, food). Tuberk