What is TB?

TB is a bacterial infection caused by tubercle bacilli. TB is an airborne disease which usually attacks the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body such as brain, bones, lymph nodes, kidneys and skin. The bacteria are spread through the air in tiny droplets discharged in a cough by a person suffering from active (infectious) Tuberculosis of the lungs known as pulmonary TB.

Every year a total of 100 million people get infected with TB worldwide, 8 million develop active TB and 2 million die.

In 2011, 19,251 cases were detected in Malaysia.

Signs and Symptoms

What are the symptoms of TB?

• Cough lasting for 2 weeks or more
• The sputum maybe blood stained
• Fever often with sweating, usually in the evening or at night
• Loss of weight or appetite
• There may be chest pain especially on coughing or deep breathing
• Getting tired easily and feeling weak

What should I do If I have signs and symptoms of TB?

If you have the signs and symptoms of TB, you must get:

• Your sputum tested at the nearest health clinic or hospital and/or
• A chest x-ray

Diagnosis and treatment of TB are available at government health clinics or hospital.

Complications

Is TB dangerous?

If pulmonary TB is left undetected, it can also affect other parts of the body such as brain, bones, lymph nodes, kidneys and skin. Family members and others who are in close contact to TB patients are advised to do the necessary examination. Untreated TB can lead to death.

Treatment

Is TB curable and what is the treatment?

TB is curable. Treatment of TB is by using the DOTS (Directly observed Treatment Short course) strategy which has been highly recommended by World Health Organization. It emphasizes:

• Patient should take medication for 6 months
• It consists initially of daily treatment for 2 months which contain 4 types of antibiotic (intensive phase)
• This is followed by daily maintenance treatment for 4 months which consist of 2 types of antibiotics
• If the treatment is followed regularly the patient can be cured completely
• The treatment is supervised by helathcare staff in the clinic or family member at home

Prevention

What can I do to prevent TB?

There are many ways to prevent TB infection :

1. BCG vaccination given to the newborn provides good protection to the child from dangerous forms of TB.
2. If you have cough lasting for 2 weeks or more, see the doctor as soon as possible
3. Family members and others who are in close contact to TB patients are advised to do the necessary examination.
4. Allow plenty of sunlight into your house because sunlight kills TB germs in the air.
5. Open all your house windows during the day because good ventilation prevents TB from spreading.
6. Practice healthy lifestyle and take a balanced diet
7. You are advised to coer your mouth when coughing

Support Group

• Contact your nearest health clinic or health office for further assistance.
• The Malaysian Association for The Prevention of TB (MAPTB) or local TB association.

For more complete information :

• http://www.who.int/tb/en/
• http://www.stoptb.org/