Allah Nawaz Khan
A few decades ago, there was no cure for Tuberculosis (TB). If someone contracted the disease, death was certain. The anticipation of death before it actually arrived was highly terrifying, and a TB patient was forced to endure this agony. Thanks to scientific advancements, TB has now become treatable. However, despite the availability of treatment, the death toll from TB remains high, and millions of people still lose their lives to it every year.
TB is a contagious disease. When a patient coughs, the TB bacteria present in their sputum travels through the air to another person, making them a victim as well. Although a large number of people contract the disease annually and deaths do occur, a vast majority of patients successfully recover and return to a normal life after undergoing treatment. Even during the treatment phase, a person can carry out all daily life activities; they only need to use the medicines prescribed by specialists and follow a few basic precautions. Moreover, TB treatment is not expensive, and a large segment of the population can afford it. Despite this, the governments in almost every country provide free or subsidized treatment facilities to TB patients. Apart from government hospitals, several independent organizations and institutions also offer TB treatment.
There are certain symptoms that indicate the onset of Tuberculosis. TB patients often wake up abruptly at night due to anxiety or restlessness, and they experience excessive sweating. The cough worsens, and occasionally, blood or blood-stained vomit may occur. Patients also experience severe fatigue and a constant sense of weakness. There is a loss of appetite, or a disinterest in eating anything at all. The patient may feel more sensitive to cold and run a persistent fever. The cough is usually accompanied by thick sputum. Due to weakness, drowsiness often prevails. In some cases, fluid accumulates in the lungs. A wheezing or whistling sound can sometimes be heard from the chest, the voice may become hoarse, and along with severe throat pain, significant weight loss occurs. Pain in the chest is also common.
The symptoms mentioned above can indicate TB, but they could also be linked to other ailments. If anyone experiences such symptoms, they should consult a doctor immediately. The doctor will diagnose the condition and start the treatment. In addition to reviewing the symptoms, diagnostic tests such as X-rays and blood tests are conducted. After an accurate diagnosis, the doctor prescribes the necessary medication. A patient should never self-diagnose whether they have TB or another disease. Sometimes, different diseases share identical symptoms; therefore, self-medication should be avoided entirely, and treatment must only be carried out under the supervision of a qualified doctor.
The medications prescribed for a TB patient are determined based on their age, weight, and the severity of the illness. Some people resort to home remedies or seek treatment from unqualified quacks. They must avoid these outdated practices. Instead of wasting precious time, they should immediately turn to a competent physician. A disease diagnosed at its primary stage can be treated in a shorter duration and requires less financial expenditure. Nowadays, almost everyone considers themselves a doctor and starts prescribing medicines to others; such practices must be discouraged to save lives and prevent the waste of financial resources.
To control Tuberculosis, treatment should be initiated as early as possible. Seeking treatment from a specialist is also crucial because a TB patient might be suffering from a co-existing illness. If one or more illnesses accompany TB, a doctor can better manage the treatment by evaluating all conditions collectively. The standard treatment for TB usually takes six months, but in some cases, it may require a longer period. Patients should not get discouraged by the lengthy treatment, as adhering to it ensures a return to good health. Strict adherence to the medication schedule is mandatory; if medicines are not taken regularly, the efficacy of the treatment can be severely compromised.
Sometimes, patients stop taking their medication halfway through, mistakenly assuming they have fully recovered. Instead of making self-styled decisions, it is always better to consult the doctor. In cases where patients simply forget to take their doses, they should seek help from family members to remind them on time, or utilize tools like alarms to ensure the medicine is taken exactly as prescribed.
Furthermore, patients must take strict precautions because their coughing can transmit the disease to others. Using masks can effectively prevent the virus from spreading. Alongside medical treatment, a TB patient also requires a nutritious diet and a clean environment. The cure rate for Tuberculosis is nearly 100 percent, provided the treatment strictly adheres to medical protocols. To prevent fatalities, raising awareness is absolutely essential. By maintaining high standards of hygiene and cleanliness, we can protect ourselves from Tuberculosis as well as many other diseases.
allahnawazk012@gmail.com
