TB 101 “Basic Facts on Tuberculosis”

TB 101“Basic Facts on “Basic Facts on Tuberculosis”Tuberculosis”

What we should know… The TB Scenario Defining TB: Cause, Transmission, and

Manifestations Risk of TB infection Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis TB Treatment and Cure Preventing transmission Proper Management of TB cases

TB Burden in the World

1/3 of the World Population is Infected

1 Person is Infected per Second

1.9 Million People Die of TB each Year

Philippines is 1 of the world’s 22 high-burden

countries for Tuberculosis

TB Burden in the Philippines

22 million reported infections

TB kills 75 Filipinos per day

TB is the 6th leading cause of Mortality and Morbidity

Undiagnosed TB cases remain high in local communities

What is Tuberculosis?TUBERCULOSIS is an infectious disease

caused by a micro bacteria called

“Tubercle bacilli”. It is airborne. It

usually affects the lungs but may also

affect other organs in the body like the

meninges, bones, kidneys etc.

The Tubercle Bacilli

Other Names:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis

TB germ

Characteristics:

• slow growing

• can survive inside cells of the human body

• exposure to direct sunlight can kill the bacteria in sputum

How is it transmitted?The TB Bacilli spreads through airborne inhalation of droplets of infection coming from a TB patient whenever a

person coughs or sneezes, without covering his mouth.

How does PTB develop?1. TB bacilli enters the body and

lodges in the lungs (TB

Infection).

2. In the lungs, they multiply and

slowly eat the cells and the

body begins to experience

symptoms (TB Disease)

3. If undiagnosed, lungs cells are

eaten up leading that may lead

death.

A person is infected after inhaling droplets from a person with TB

What are the signs and symptoms of TB?

Persistent cough for at least 2 weeks Chest pains/ Back Pains (breathlessness) Persistent low grade fever for more than a

month Significant weight loss with or with out loss of appetite

Hemoptysis (Blood-tinged sputum) Feeling of weakness (tiredness) Night Sweats

Who are at risk of getting TB?

People who share the same breathing space with someone who has infectious TB

Health workers, specially those working in long-term facilities (prison, sanitariums, etc.)

People whose immune systems are compromised (People with HIV infection, Pneumonia, Chronic lung disease, etc)

Who are at risk… People exposed to silica and those with jobs that

compromise the respiratory system (mine workers)

People underweight and malnourished (esp. Children)

Alcoholics and IV drug users

Others

How is TB diagnosed?1. Sputum Microscopy

– It shows the TB bacilli in the sputum

– It is the most definitive diagnostic tool of Tuberculosis

How is TB diagnosed?2. Chest X-Ray

– Determines extent of the lung damage

– Not a very definitive diagnostic tool

How is TB cured? TB can be cured. DOTS (Directly-Observed

Treatment Short Course) is the recommended strategy to cure TB.

It ensures the right combination and dosage of anti-TB drugs.

It ensures regular and complete intake of anti-TB drugs.

Patient takes drugs every day with the help of a treatment partner.

With proper treatment…We want to treat patients with DOTS:

1. To make them get well as soon as possible

2. To make them stop spreading the disease onto others in the community

3. To avoid complications and multi-drug resistance (MDR)

How can TB be prevented?1. BCG vaccination for infants (newborn to 1 year

old). This gives 80-85% protection against development of complicated TB among children;

2. Hygienic practices like covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing; and

3. Early diagnosis and treatment of TB infectious cases to stop transmission

Other Preventive Measures… Maintain open air circulation inside the house

Have enough sleep

Eat nutritious food that boost the immune system

Avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and use of prohibited drugs

What are some misconception about TB?

Misconceptions FactsTB is mana-mana TB is hawa-hawaTB results from “Pasma” and “naulanan”

TB is due a bacteria known as the “Tubercle bacilli”

TB is transmitted through sharing utensils with a person with TB

TB is transmitted through inhalation of the droplet nuclei from a person with TB

TB is not curable. One should be ashamed of his disease.

TB can be cured. The patient’s commitment is important. Everyone’s support is important in fighting TB.

REMINDER

If you experience the signs and symptoms of TB, do not be ashamed. Immediately visit our clinic for proper diagnosis and treatment