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What Are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis, and How Is It Diagnosed?
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Question #15378
164 days ago
157

What Are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis, and How Is It Diagnosed? - #15378

Lily

I recently heard about tuberculosis (TB) and was surprised to learn that it’s still a major infectious disease affecting millions worldwide. From what I understand, tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, but what are the early signs of tuberculosis symptoms? I read that tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, and kidneys. How do doctors diagnose TB, and what tests are required to confirm the infection? One thing that concerns me is that some forms of TB are drug-resistant, making treatment more difficult. What are the best ways to prevent tuberculosis and strengthen immunity naturally? Are there any Ayurvedic or natural remedies that help support lung health and boost recovery from TB? I’ve heard that Tulsi, Giloy, and Black Pepper are used in Ayurveda for respiratory health—do these actually work? If anyone has had tuberculosis, what symptoms appeared first, and what treatments were most effective? Did you experience any side effects from TB medications?

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Doctors’ responses

Thank you for sharing your questions about tuberculosis (TB). You’re right—TB is a significant global health concern. It’s caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria and primarily affects the lungs, though it can spread to other organs. Early symptoms of TB often include: Persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks Chest pain and coughing up blood (in severe cases) Fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss Fatigue and loss of appetite If TB spreads beyond the lungs (extrapulmonary TB), symptoms can vary based on the affected organ—such as joint pain (bones) or confusion (brain). TB diagnosis involves a few key tests: Chest X-ray: To check for lung damage Sputum test: Identifies TB bacteria in mucus Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test) or Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA): Measures immune response to TB exposure CT scans or biopsies may be done for extrapulmonary cases. Drug-resistant TB is a growing challenge. Prevention involves: BCG vaccination in children (though its efficacy is limited in adults). Hygiene and nutrition: Strengthening immunity with a balanced diet and regular exercise. Avoiding close contact with those known to have active TB. Natural remedies like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Giloy, and Black Pepper may help boost immunity and support lung health, but they are not replacements for medical treatment. TB requires strict adherence to antibiotics for 6-9 months, and skipping doses increases drug resistance. If you suspect TB, please seek medical care for proper testing and treatment. Prompt intervention is key to recovery and preventing spread.
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Dr. Harsha Joy
Dr. Harsha Joy is a renowned Ayurvedic practitioner with a wealth of expertise in lifestyle consultation, skin and hair care, gynecology, and infertility treatments. With years of experience, she is dedicated to helping individuals achieve optimal health through a balanced approach rooted in Ayurveda's time-tested principles. Dr. Harsha has a unique ability to connect with her patients, offering personalized care plans that cater to individual needs, whether addressing hormonal imbalances, fertility concerns, or chronic skin and hair conditions. In addition to her clinical practice, Dr. Harsha is a core content creator in the field of Ayurveda, contributing extensively to educational platforms and medical literature. She is passionate about making Ayurvedic wisdom accessible to a broader audience, combining ancient knowledge with modern advancements to empower her clients on their wellness journeys. Her areas of interest include promoting women's health, managing lifestyle disorders, and addressing the root causes of skin and hair issues through natural, non-invasive therapies. Dr. Harsha’s holistic approach focuses on not just treating symptoms but addressing the underlying causes of imbalances, ensuring sustainable and long-lasting results. Her warm and empathetic nature, coupled with her deep expertise, has made her a sought-after consultant for those looking for natural, effective solutions to improve their quality of life. Whether you're seeking to enhance fertility, rejuvenate your skin and hair, or improve overall well-being, Dr. Harsha Joy offers a compassionate and knowledgeable pathway to achieving your health goals.
163 days ago
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Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but sometimes spreading to other organs. Early symptoms include a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, fever, and chest pain. Diagnosis is confirmed through sputum tests, chest X-rays, and TB skin or blood tests. Drug-resistant TB is a concern, making prevention crucial through strong immunity and hygiene. Ayurveda recommends Tulsi, Giloy, and Black Pepper to support lung health, reduce inflammation, and enhance immunity. Chyawanprash, rich in Amla, can also help strengthen respiratory function. Along with prescribed TB medications, proper nutrition, deep breathing exercises, and a sattvic diet aid recovery and prevent complications. If symptoms persist or worsen, immediate medical attention is necessary.
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You’ve got a keen eye on TB, an ancient disease with a modern sting. It's true, tuberculosis sneaks in quietly, and those early symptoms might masquerade as common cold – a pesky cough that lingers longer than usual, night sweats, fever, and maybe losing a bit of weight without trying... But when it gets cozy in lungs, you might cough up blood or feel that ache or tightness when breathing. Some folks even feel tired all the time or have the chills. Doctors have a whole kit to confirm it's TB and not something else. The most common is a skin test, known as a Mantoux test, where they inject a small amount into your arm and check the swell after two days. Chest X-rays, blood tests or sputum culture—spit in a cup, they check for bacteria—are all part of the detective work. Yep, rigorous process but necessary. You're right about the drug-resistant strains. They're tricky but sticking to a prescribed treatment plan is the battle's backbone. Strengthening your immunity is a plane ticket away from future troubles.. eating fresh fruits, veggies, plenty of rest, and staying hydrated counts big time. Ayurveda steps in gently but firmly. Tulsi is the queen here, known for its cleansing properties on respiratory tract, alongside Giloy, which helps build immune defenses. Black pepper, though unassuming, can warm up those sluggish pathways and improve absorption of nutrients. When it comes to firsthand accounts, everyone's journey with TB's a bit different. Combinations of antibiotics might have side effects like nausea, and in Ayurveda, it’s crucial to tailor remedies to your dosha or body constitution. Caring for lung health naturally incorporates Pranayama or breathing exercises from Yoga. They open up the chest and encourage deep, full breaths, serving as gentle support. But TB's seriousness can't be ignored, so blending modern care with Ayurvedic touch is the way to go. Always wise to coordinate with docs keeping that balance.
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