Tuberculosis

Treatment

The traditional treatment of tuberculosis used to involve long periods of complete bed rest and isolation from society. Hill-side sanatoriums were considered suitable for the recovery of tuberculosis patients. This is no longer the case. Patients are allowed to return to work once the course of the treatment has begun. The bacteria are virulent before treatment starts and are effectively countered if the treatment is strictly followed.

Medicines

Strong doses of antibiotics are utilised to counter the various strains of possible tuberculosis bacteria in patients. The mix of medicines is maintained for a nine month period to ensure that the tuberculosis infection is completely wiped out of the body. Bodily secretions may be tested on a regular basis to ensure that the right bacterial strain is being targeted by the medication. The medicines may be changed at regular intervals to provide a multi-lateral attack on the organism.

Predisposition

Apart from the profile of poor people, teachers who are exposed to regular chalk dust entering their lungs and people who work in certain mines and factories are prone to the development of tuberculosis. Patients who undergo tremendous stress in their work life may find the development of the symptoms after a severe bout of infection. Children and adults may develop tuberculosis despite being in hygienic surroundings and consuming healthy food. Entire populations from poor countries are believed to harbour the bacteria in their bodies and this leads to the bacterial activity starting under stressful or suitable conditions.

How it works

The development of the disease is slow because the bacteria grow slowly. Often the disease appears as a mild form of ailment and the only issue is that of continuing tiredness. There are two types of tuberculosis- one that is virulent and another that remains within the body without manifesting symptoms or causing the spread of the ailment. Tuberculosis bacteria are constantly mutating and appear in strains that are resistant to known lines of treatment. Doctors often prescribe a mix of drugs to counter the problem.

Side effects

The tuberculosis medicine will play havoc with the digestive system and can leave the patient feeling lethargic. The patient may lose interest in activity and prefers to rest for long hours in the course of a day. Some tuberculosis patients experience skin discoloration and the appearance of many topical eruptions that take time to heal. The medication affects the effectiveness of contraception and calls for alternate measures. The course prescribed does not allow for alcohol consumption since it reduces the effect of the medicine.

Habit patterns

Tuberculosis patients are often advised to develop personal tools to remember the timing of their medication. This is an important part of the tuberculosis patient’s health plan. Timely medication and correct food consumption habits are necessary for complete cure to take effect. Patients, who tend to forget their treatment, attend social gatherings that compromise their treatment due to incorrect food and fluid consumption must know to plan their meals in a way that avoids mistakes in the cure regimen.