Tuberculosis: Definition, Causes, and Symptoms

Tuberculosis (Tuberculosis)

Tuberculosis (TB), also known as tuberculosis, is a contagious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease generally affects the lungs but can also spread to organs outside the respiratory system. Tuberculosis, which affects millions of people worldwide, can result in fatal consequences if left untreated. In this article we have prepared for you, we will provide information about the causes, symptoms, and diagnosis of tuberculosis.

What Are the Causes of Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium is transmitted through airborne droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or spits. The bacterium, inhaled through the respiratory tract, settles in the lungs and initiates a tuberculosis infection. The risk factors for the transmission of tuberculosis are as follows;

• Prolonged and close contact with a person with tuberculosis increases the risk of disease transmission.

• Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, and kidney disease, increase the risk of tuberculosis infection.

• Children and elderly individuals are more susceptible to tuberculosis due to their weaker immune systems.

• Inadequate and unbalanced nutrition weakens the immune system and increases the risk of tuberculosis.

What Are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB)?

The symptoms of tuberculosis may vary depending on the severity of the infection and the organ affected. The most common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis are as follows;

• Cough (usually lasting longer than 3 weeks),

• Sputum production (sometimes bloody),

• Chest pain or shortness of breath,

• Fatigue and weakness,

• Loss of appetite and weight loss,

• Night sweats,

• Fever and chills,

How Is Tuberculosis (TB) Diagnosed?

Tuberculosis diagnosis can be made based on the patient's symptoms, physical examination, tuberculin skin test, blood tests, and imaging methods (X-ray or computed tomography). The tuberculin skin test is performed by evaluating the reaction that occurs 48-72 hours after a special fluid is injected into the patient's arm. Blood tests measure the immune system's response to the tuberculosis bacterium. Imaging methods detect abnormalities in the lungs. For definitive diagnosis, a sputum sample or biopsy material is obtained and the presence of the bacterium is investigated in a laboratory setting.

How Is the Tuberculosis (TB) Test Performed?

The tuberculosis (TB) test is an important method used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The tuberculosis test can be performed using two main methods: the tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) and the blood test (IGRA).

Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux Test); This test is a skin test performed by injecting a liquid containing a special protein called tuberculin under the skin. During the test, a healthcare worker injects the tuberculin liquid, particularly into the inner part of the forearm. The tuberculin liquid creates a reaction on the skin in people who have been exposed to the tuberculosis bacterium, and this reaction is evaluated 48-72 hours later. During the evaluation, the swelling that develops at the injection site is measured and the results are assessed.

Blood Test (IGRA); This method, called Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), is based on the measurement of a protein called interferon gamma produced by cells specific to tuberculosis. For this test, a blood sample obtained from the patient is examined in a laboratory setting, and in people who have been exposed to the tuberculosis bacterium, the level of this protein is found to be elevated.

How Long Does the Tuberculosis Test Take to Produce Results?

The results of the tuberculosis test vary depending on the method used.

Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux Test); The results of this test are evaluated within 48-72 hours from the time of injection. During this period, the swelling that develops at the test site is measured and the results are determined.

Blood Test (IGRA); Blood test results can usually be obtained within 24-48 hours. However, in some cases, depending on laboratory workload, it may take several days to obtain results.

How Is Tuberculosis Transmitted?

Tuberculosis is an infection transmitted from person to person through airborne droplets. When a person with tuberculosis coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, very small droplets containing the tuberculosis bacterium are released into the air. These droplets can remain suspended in the air for a period of time, and when inhaled by others, the infection can be transmitted.

Tuberculosis transmission generally requires prolonged and close contact. For this reason, the risk of tuberculosis transmission is higher among people who are constantly together, such as those living in the same household, working in the same workplace, or attending the same class at school.

Tuberculosis is not transmitted sexually, through blood, or through food. Additionally, tuberculosis is not transmitted through handshakes, hugging, kissing, touching surfaces, or swimming in pools.

How Is Tuberculosis Treated?

Tuberculosis treatment can be effectively carried out with the correct medications and regular use. The basis of tuberculosis treatment is medications that kill tuberculosis bacteria and prevent disease transmission. These medications are generally used as follows;

First Phase (Intensive Phase); Over the first two months, the patient is given four different medications. These medications are typically isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. This combination of four drugs helps kill most of the bacteria and prevents disease transmission.

Second Phase (Continuation Phase); After the first phase, the patient is usually given two medications: isoniazid and rifampin. These medications help kill remaining bacteria and prevent disease relapse. This phase typically lasts between 4 and 7 months.

The success of treatment depends on the patient's regular and correct use of medications. Irregular medication use or premature cessation of treatment can cause bacteria to develop resistance and lead to treatment failure. For this reason, it is important for patients to use their medications regularly for the period recommended by their doctor.

In tuberculosis treatment, patients may also need to make certain changes in their lifestyle. Reducing smoking and alcohol consumption, maintaining balanced and healthy nutrition, and regular exercise help improve treatment success.

During the treatment process, it is important for patients to visit their doctor regularly and undergo necessary tests. This helps evaluate the effectiveness of treatment and make necessary adjustments.

Does Tuberculosis (TB) Kill?

Tuberculosis is considered a serious public health problem worldwide and causes high mortality rates, particularly in developing countries. Tuberculosis can be fatal if left untreated. However, with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the risk of death can be significantly reduced.

Tuberculosis can be fatal, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems. In immunocompromised individuals such as HIV/AIDS patients, transplant recipients, those undergoing cancer treatment, and diabetic patients, tuberculosis has a more severe course and the risk of death is higher.

It is estimated that approximately 50% of untreated active tuberculosis cases may result in death. However, when early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are implemented, the majority of patients can recover completely and return to their normal lives.

In conclusion, tuberculosis can be a fatal disease, but with early diagnosis and appropriate treatment, the risk of death can be significantly reduced. Therefore, it is vital that individuals showing symptoms of tuberculosis consult a healthcare facility without delay and begin the treatment process.

Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment Costs in Turkey

Turkey has gained recognition worldwide through its investments and initiatives in the healthcare field. Advanced technological equipment used in diagnostic and treatment procedures has provided hope for many diseases. Furthermore, there has been an increase in medical tourism to Turkey.

• Large, clean, spacious hospitals with complete equipment in terms of technological devices,

• Turkish doctors who are expert, successful, and talented in their field,

• Nurses and healthcare attendants who are cheerful and compassionate,

• Quick and accurate answers to questions asked,

• Patience and understanding of all personnel, including the intermediary company assisting the patient,

• Offering vacation opportunities through Turkey's natural and historical attractions,

• Easy accessibility,

• Meeting diagnostic, treatment, accommodation, food, beverage, clothing, and vacation needs at affordable prices,

are listed among the reasons for preference. Regarding Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment Costs in Turkey, we can see that patients and their relatives who wish to come to Turkey are conducting research. However, at this stage, it would not be appropriate to provide precise price information. Many factors such as the type of disease, its stage, the diagnostic process, the treatment process, and the duration of stay in Turkey affect the cost. If you would like to obtain more detailed pricing information, you can contact us. Additionally, if you come to Turkey for treatment through our agency, we can facilitate your visa application process through the invitation letter we send to the consulate.