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General Medicine
Question #17566
161 days ago
221

bcg full form - #17566

Nora

I recently came across the BCG full form while researching vaccines, and I was surprised to realize that I don’t know if I ever got it. I understand that it’s primarily used for tuberculosis (TB) prevention and that it’s given in infancy, but does everyone get it? My parents don’t remember if I had it as a baby, and I don’t see any vaccination mark on my arm. The reason I started looking this up is that I have been experiencing some persistent coughing for months, especially at night. It’s not severe, but it’s dry, and it doesn’t seem to go away. I also feel fatigued a lot, and sometimes I wake up with night sweats. A few weeks ago, I went to the doctor, and they suggested I take a TB test. But when I was reading about it, I found out that if you have had the BCG full form vaccine before, it might interfere with TB skin test results and give a false positive. That confused me because now I don’t know if my test results would be reliable or not. Another thing I don’t understand is why some countries don’t even give the BCG full form vaccine anymore. If it’s supposed to protect against TB, why would they stop using it? Does it mean that the vaccine is not as effective as people once thought? Or is it just because TB is not as common in some places? And if someone wasn’t vaccinated as a child, would it make sense to get it later in life? I also read that TB prevention is possible through Ayurveda by boosting immunity and keeping the lungs strong. Are there Ayurvedic remedies that can naturally help protect against TB? Can Ayurveda help clear toxins from the lungs and improve respiratory health? If someone has already been exposed to TB, are there herbal treatments that can help fight off the infection before it gets serious?

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Doctors’ responses

The BCG vaccine is primarily used to protect against tuberculosis (TB), especially in countries with high TB rates. It’s typically given to infants, but not all countries administer it, especially those with low TB prevalence, as its effectiveness is more limited in adults. In areas with low TB cases, the risks of the vaccine are considered greater than its benefits. If you’ve had the BCG vaccine, it can interfere with TB skin tests, potentially giving false positives due to the body’s reaction to the vaccine, not an active infection.

Ayurvedic practices may support respiratory health and immune function through herbs like Tulsi (Holy Basil), Guduchi (Giloy), and Pippali (Long Pepper), which can help clear mucus, boost immunity, and support the lungs. However, these should not replace medical treatment if TB is suspected. Ayurvedic remedies can be used to strengthen overall health and assist recovery, but they should be used in conjunction with prescribed TB treatments, not as a substitute.

If you suspect TB exposure or have symptoms like persistent coughing and fatigue, it’s essential to seek medical testing. The TB skin test can be unreliable if you’ve received the BCG vaccine, so you may want to opt for a blood test to get more accurate results. Ayurvedic remedies can help boost your immunity and support respiratory health but should always be used as a complementary approach rather than a primary treatment for TB.

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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.
160 days ago
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The BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccine is primarily given in infancy in countries where TB is common, but not everyone receives it, especially in places where TB prevalence is low. The absence of a scar does not always mean you weren’t vaccinated, as some people don’t develop a visible mark. Regarding TB testing, the BCG vaccine can sometimes cause a false-positive tuberculin skin test (TST) but does not affect blood-based TB tests like the IGRA (Interferon-Gamma Release Assay), which may be more reliable in your case. Some countries no longer use BCG because TB rates have declined, and the vaccine does not always prevent adult pulmonary TB, though it protects against severe forms in children. Ayurveda focuses on strengthening the lungs and immunity through herbs like Vasaka (Adhatoda), Tulsi, Pippali, and Chyawanprash, which support respiratory health. Practices like Pranayama (breathing exercises), steam inhalation with eucalyptus oil, and a diet rich in warm, nourishing foods help clear toxins and boost lung function. If exposed to TB, Ayurveda can support the body’s natural defenses, but medical treatment is crucial for active infection. If symptoms persist, further testing and a consultation with a doctor are essential.

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Thank you for sharing your concerns and health background. It’s important to approach these symptoms thoughtfully, especially given your persistent cough, fatigue, and night sweats. Your symptoms warrant careful consideration, so I recommend seeking medical attention urgently to rule out conditions like tuberculosis.

Regarding the BCG vaccine, it is primarily administered to infants in high-risk areas to help prevent severe forms of TB, especially in children. In some countries with low TB prevalence, the vaccine is no longer used because the risk of disease is minimal. This does not imply the vaccine’s ineffectiveness; it reflects a strategic public health decision based on local disease prevalence.

If you were not vaccinated as a child, getting the BCG in adulthood is an option, though its main goal is to provide immunity in infancy. Its potential role for adults can vary based on individual risk factors.

Given your current health issues and potential exposure, I strongly advise you to see a healthcare professional for appropriate testing and guidance. As for Ayurvedic approaches to improve lung health and immunity:

1. Tulsi Tea: Drink warm Tulsi (Holy Basil) tea daily to enhance immunity. Boil a few leaves in water and consume when warm.

2. Turmeric: Incorporate turmeric in your diet. Use it in cooking or mix with warm milk before bed to support respiratory health.

3. Steam Inhalation: Use eucalyptus or peppermint oil in steam inhalation to relieve dry cough and clear the respiratory passages.

4. Diet: Eat light, easily digestible meals to avoid aggravating your digestion. Include fruits, warm soups, and fresh produce rich in vitamins.

5. Herbs like Pippali (long pepper) and Vasa (Adhatoda vasica) can support lung health. Consult with an Ayurvedic practitioner for personalized dosage.

Please emphasize seeking medical evaluation promptly regarding your cough and symptoms while exploring these natural remedies concurrently. Your health and safety are paramount, and these approaches can complement professional care.

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