Tuberculosis (Phthisis / white plague)  - is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. Tuberculosis usually attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body.  It is spread through the air, when people who have the disease cough, sneeze, or spit.

Causative Agent:  Mycobacterium tuberculosis / tubercle bacilli

Incubation Period: 2 to 10 weeks

Kinds:

• TB of Spine
• TB of Skin

Signs and Symptoms:

• Cough with chest pains
• Loss of weight
• Fever (night or afternoon)
• Night sweating
• Phlegm – sputum – presence of blood
• weakness

Diagnostic Test:

• Sputum test
• Chest x-ray
• Blood test
• Tuberculine test – skin test

Prevention:

• Cover the mouth with cloth when coughing
• Immunization
• Eat balance diet
• Avoid smoking
• Avoid crowded places

Treatment:

• Anti-TB medicine
  • Ambulatory chemotherapy
• Take balanced diet while losing the weight
• Vitamin C
• Provide a well- ventilated room
• Provide psychological care
• Avoid the patient to work

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