World Tuberculosis Day 2022

Symptoms & Treatments of TB

World TB Day is observed every year on March 24 to raise awareness about the serious bacteria disease that affects the health of the lungs. World TB Day is one of eleven official global public health campaigns marked by the world health organization (WHO). 

Today, World Tuberculosis Day, was the day when Heinrich Hermann Robert Coach announced his discovery of the bacterium that causes TB. He is regarded as one of the main founders of modern bacteriology.  As such he is popularly nicknamed the father of microbiology with Louis Pasteur, and as the father of medical bacteriology. 

The day he announced the discovery of the tuberculosis bacterium, 24 March, has been observed by the World Health Organization as "World Tuberculosis Day" every year since 1982. 

This year, World Tuberculosis Day 2022, the theme of World TB day is, "invest to End TB. Save Lives." The theme focused on the need for investments and resources that are required to eradicate this disease. It is a way of conveying these needs to global leaders to reinforce their commitment to fighting this disease. 

The theme also ensures access to prevention and care of TB in order to achieve Universal Health Coverage by WHO. 

TB is a contagious infection that usually attacks your lungs. It can also spread to other parts of your body like your brain and spine. 

A person who has the active diseases in their lungs can spread it through the air. It means the TB germs are multiplying and spreading in your body. If you are in close contact with someone who has it, you can get it. That's why doctors advise those who have this disease to stay home and away from other people as much as possible. 

Symptoms of Tuberculosis 

* Coughing that lasts for at least 3 weeks. 

* Production of Phlegm along with the blood during continuous coughing. 

* It can also cause abdominal pain, joint pain and headache. 

* Chills, fever, loss of appetite and loss of weight 

* Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing. 

* Night sweats 

Treatment 

* If you have latent TB, your doctor will give you medication to kill the bacteria so the infection doesn't become active. You might get isoniazid, rifapentine, or rifampin, either along or combined. You all will have to take the drugs for up to 9 months. If you see any signs of active TB, call your doctor right away. 

* A combination of medicines also treats active TB. The most common are isoniazid, pyrazinamide and rifampin. You will take them for 6-12 months. 

* If you have drug resistant TB, your doctor might give you one or more different medicines. You may have to take them for much longer, up to 30 months.