Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Diet, Diagnosis, Prevention & Treatment
Introduction to Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can impact other parts of the body as well. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, particularly in low and middle-income countries.
Key Facts About Tuberculosis:
TB is contagious and airborne.
It mostly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but can also affect the brain, spine, kidneys, and lymph nodes (extrapulmonary TB).
TB can be latent (inactive) or active.
Without treatment, TB can be fatal.
Causes of Tuberculosis
The primary cause of TB is the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Here’s a breakdown of how TB spreads and what contributes to its transmission:
1. Airborne Transmission:
TB bacteria are released into the air when a person with active pulmonary TB coughs, sneezes, or talks. When another person inhales these airborne bacteria, they can become infected.
2. Weak Immune System:
People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to TB infection. This includes individuals with:
• HIV/AIDS
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Malnutrition
• Organ transplant recipients
3. Close Contact and Overcrowding:
Living or working in close quarters with infected individuals increases the risk, especially in places like prisons, homeless shelters, and refugee camps.
4. Substance Abuse:
Smoking, alcohol abuse, and drug use compromise the immune system, raising TB risk.
5. Poor Healthcare Access:
Lack of access to timely diagnosis and treatment in underserved regions facilitates the spread of TB.
Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis
TB symptoms vary depending on whether the infection is latent or active.
Latent TB:
No symptoms
Not contagious
May become active if not treated
Active TB (Pulmonary TB):
Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks
Coughing up blood or sputum
Chest pain
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue
Fever and chills
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
Shortness of breath
Extrapulmonary TB Symptoms:
TB Meningitis: Headache, vomiting, neck stiffness
TB of the spine (Pott’s disease): Back pain
TB of the lymph nodes: Swollen, painless nodes
TB of the kidneys or urinary tract: Blood in urine
Diet in Tuberculosis: Foods to Eat and Avoid
Proper nutrition plays a vital role in managing TB by strengthening the immune system and helping the body recover from the infection.
Importance of Diet in TB:
• Helps fight fatigue and weight loss
• Boosts immunity
• Supports recovery from medications’ side effects
Recommended Foods for TB Patients:
1. High-Protein Foods:
• Eggs
• Chicken
• Fish
• Lentils
• Paneer
• Nuts and seeds
2. Whole Grains and Complex Carbs:
• Brown rice
• Oats
• Whole wheat
• Millets
3. Fruits and Vegetables:
• Citrus fruits (rich in vitamin C)
• Leafy greens (iron and folate)
• Carrots and beets
• Tomatoes
4. Dairy Products:
• Milk
• Yogurt
• Cheese
5. Immune-Boosting Foods:
• Garlic
• Ginger
• Turmeric
• Green tea
Foods to Avoid in TB:
• Processed and fast foods
• Sugary snacks and soft drinks
• Alcohol and tobacco
• Excessively spicy or oily food
• Caffeinated beverages in excess
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Early and accurate diagnosis is crucial for effective TB management and prevention of transmission.
1. Medical History and Physical Examination:
Doctors will ask about symptoms, contact with TB patients, travel history, and health background.
2. Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) or Mantoux Test:
A small amount of TB protein is injected under the skin. A raised bump after 48-72 hours may indicate TB infection.
3. Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs):
A blood test (like QuantiFERON-TB Gold) used especially when BCG vaccination makes skin testing unreliable.
4. Chest X-ray:
Reveals lung damage or lesions typical of TB.
5. Sputum Tests:
Sputum smear microscopy: Detects TB bacteria under a microscope.
Sputum culture: Confirms TB and identifies drug-resistant strains.
6. Molecular Tests (GeneXpert/CBNAAT):
Rapid test that detects TB bacteria and rifampicin resistance within hours.
Prevention of Tuberculosis
Prevention is key to controlling the global spread of TB. It involves public health measures, vaccination, and early detection.
1. BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin):
• Given to infants in TB-endemic areas
• Protects against severe forms of TB in children
2. Early Detection and Treatment:
• Prompt diagnosis and treatment of TB patients prevent the spread of infection.
3. Infection Control Practices:
• Wearing masks
• Good ventilation in crowded places
• Covering mouth when coughing or sneezing
4. TB Preventive Therapy (TPT):
For people with latent TB infection or at high risk (e.g., HIV patients, children under 5), preventive antibiotics can stop TB from becoming active.
5. Public Awareness and Education:
Educating communities about TB symptoms, risks, and treatment encourages early medical help and reduces stigma.
Treatment of Tuberculosis
TB is treatable with a strict regimen of antibiotics, usually under a directly observed treatment system (DOTS) for compliance and success.
1. First-Line Anti-TB Drugs:
Treatment usually lasts 6 to 9 months with four primary drugs:
• Isoniazid (INH)
• Rifampicin (RIF)
• Pyrazinamide (PZA)
• Ethambutol (EMB)
2. DOTS Strategy (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course):
• Ensures patients take medication regularly
• Reduces risk of drug resistance
3. Treatment for Drug-Resistant TB:
MDR-TB (Multidrug-resistant TB): Requires longer treatment with second-line drugs like fluoroquinolones and injectables
XDR-TB (Extensively drug-resistant TB): More complex and less effective treatment; new drugs like bedaquiline and delamanid may be used
4. Side Effects of TB Affected areas:
Allergic reactions
5. Monitoring During Treatment:
• Regular follow-up and sputum tests
• Liver function tests
Nutritional support
Complications of Tuberculosis
If untreated or improperly treated, TB can lead to serious complications:
• Permanent lung damage
Respiratory failure
• TB meningitis
• Spinal deformities (from TB of the spine)
Disseminated TB (miliary TB)
• Drug resistance
Living with Tuberculosis
Patients diagnosed with TB need emotional, medical, and nutritional support during the treatment period.
Tips for TB Patients:
Take all medicines as prescribed without missing doses.
Follow a nutritious diet.
• Get adequate rest and hydration.
• Isolate temporarily to prevent spread, especially during the early treatment phase.
• Avoid alcohol and smoking.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis remains a major global health challenge, but it is preventable, diagnosable, and curable. Awareness, timely medical intervention, and adherence to treatment can save lives and limit the spread of this deadly disease. Governments, healthcare workers, and communities must work together to eliminate TB and ensure a healthier future for all.
FAQs on Tuberculosis
Q1: Is TB contagious?
Yes, TB is contagious when it’s in its active stage, especially pulmonary TB.
Q2: Can TB be completely cured?
Yes, with proper treatment for 6–9 months, TB is curable in the majority of cases.
Q3: Is TB only a lung disease?
No, TB can affect other organs too, including lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, and the brain.
Q4: What should a TB patient avoid?
Avoid alcohol, tobacco, junk food, and skipping medications.
Q5: Can TB come back after treatment?
Yes, especially if treatment is not completed or if reinfection occurs.
I hope that you liked this article.
Thanks!! 🙏 😊
Writer: Vandita Singh, Lucknow (GS India Nursing Group)