Every year on March 24th, governments, activists, and celebrities raise awareness about tuberculosis. This is due to the fact that today is World Tuberculosis Day. On World Tb Day 2023, we should return to basics as efforts are made to end the global tuberculosis epidemic. Let’s start with tuberculosis symptoms. Sweating at night is an early sign of illness. When you wake up sweaty, don’t blame it on nightmares or electrical problems.
According to the World Health Organization, tuberculosis affects at least 10 million people each year. Despite being a treatable and preventable disease, it has been dubbed the world’s most contagious killer. Approximately half of tuberculosis cases are concentrated in eight countries, including India.
Dr Jayalakshmi TK, Guide, Respiratory Division, Apollo Hospitals, Navi Mumbai, was helpful enough to help us learn more about tuberculosis symptoms.
Tuberculosis is a contagious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. According to Dr. TK, it spreads through the air when a contaminated person coughs or sneezes.
Night time sweats are an indication of tuberculosis
Night sweats can be caused by a variety of factors, including tuberculosis. This is especially true when night sweats are accompanied by other symptoms such as weight loss, coughing, and fever, according to experts. Sweating may appear to be genuine when people are experiencing heat waves. Night sweats, on the other hand, are distinct from sweating at other times of the day because they occur while sleeping. It also frequently seeps into clothing and bedding.
There are several common signs of tuberculosis.
• Cough with mucus and, in most cases, blood
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
WHO IS AT RISK?
Dr. TK stated that women, in particular, are at a high risk of late tuberculosis diagnosis because they tend to put off seeking treatment. Because of the social stigma associated with this disease, treatment is frequently delayed or administered incorrectly. As a result, women should not ignore persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss, or fatigue as symptoms of tuberculosis.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, malnutrition, and diabetes, are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis. According to the WHO, tuberculosis and HIV are a lethal combination. More than 186,000 people died from HIV-related tuberculosis two years ago.
Individuals who live in crowded or poorly ventilated environments, as well as those who use tobacco and alcohol, are at high risk, according to Dr. TK.
Tuberculosis treatment
It all depends on the specific strain of micro organism that causes the infection, as well as individual factors like age, general health, and the presence of different medical circumstances. It is treated with a mixture of antibiotic.
According to WHO, tuberculosis research and treatment saved approximately 66 million lives between 2000 and 2020. As a result, it is critical to understand the symptoms of tuberculosis and to get yourself checked.
