Tuberculosis (TB) is the result of bacteria. It may spread when an infected individual coughs or sneezes. Others may breathe in the air with the bacteria. Those who are in regular contact with an infected individual are likely to get it. Good thing there is tuberculosis treatment available for free.
1. Proper Diagnosis
If you want to find out the right tuberculosis treatment, proper diagnosis is important. Call your doctor if you suspect you have this. They are the ones who can diagnose it. They will perform different tests. Be ready to answer different medical history questions.
After diagnosis, feel free to ask questions to your doctor. Hence, it will help you fully understand your condition. You may ask about symptoms and options for treatment. You can also ask about the effect of other health conditions if you have some.
2. Knowing the Type
Diagnosis is also helpful to determine what type of TB you have. It can either be latent TB or active TB. Also, treatment depends on the type of TB that you have. For latent TB, you will get therapy for tuberculosis prevention. TB might be active once they react with germs. That is why the goal of this treatment is to kill those germs. It comes in the form of taking a pill daily. One needs to take it for six to nine months. Also, latent TB will do not easily pass on from one person to another.
Active TB requires different medications for six months to a year. You will feel better after taking the drugs for only a few weeks. But remember that Tuberculosis treatment takes a long time. You have to continue taking it as recommended by your doctor. Not doing this may make you sick again. You will also have lesser chances of fighting the disease in the future. You could also spread it to others. And the worst part is, your body may resist TB the next time.
3. Medicine
Listen to what your doctor tells you to do. Finish the medicine exactly as they said. Expect regular check-ups. It is important to monitor if the treatment is working. Look out for side effects that you max experience. These include vomiting, loss of appetite, and upset stomach. You may also experience tingling in your hands or feet. Itchy skin and rashes are also common. There might be changes in your eyesight too. Also, weakness and fatigue that will last for three or more days may occur. Call your doctor if you notice unusual signs. The medicine can be harmful to your liver. Expect side effects that may signal liver damage.
4. Support
Take your medicine at the right time daily. Also, try to note when you are taking it. Also, it will prevent you from forgetting. You can also get those pill dispensers that have a daily mark. Friends and relatives can help you monitor your medicine.
Remember that your physical health can affect your mental health. You may experience certain strong emotions. These are normal, especially since you are dealing with something difficult. You may want to call a specialist to help you manage it. They can also help in developing positive coping strategies.
5. Prevention
The best way of treating TB is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Doctors usually give TB vaccines to infants and small children. They can give it as soon as after birth. It is common in countries where TB is at high rates. However, the TB vaccine does not always prevent people from getting it. It is for anyone over the age of 16. It does not usually work well with adults. However, it is given to adults who have a high risk of getting TB and health workers. The injection to the upper arm usually leaves a small scar.
The bacteria that cause TB may spread to others. That is why you may have to isolate for some time for tuberculosis prevention. Ask your doctor when you can go back to your daily routine. Also, always cover using a mask when going outside. Make sure to throw the tissue immediately. Try to avoid social interactions for a while. Therefore, it means not going to work or school. Sleep in the bedroom alone. Disinfect your rooms regularly. It ensures that the germs will not stay in it.
