Tuberculosis

 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), but it can also involve other organs (extrapulmonary TB). TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

1. Types of Tuberculosis

A. Based on Infection Status:

  • Latent TB Infection (LTBI):

    • Bacteria are present but inactive
    • No symptoms, not contagious
    • Can reactivate if immunity drops

  • Active TB Disease:

    • Bacteria are actively multiplying
    • Causes symptoms and is contagious

B. Based on Location:

  • Pulmonary TB – Lungs (most common form)
  • Extrapulmonary TB – Outside lungs, e.g.:
    • Lymph node TB
    • Spinal TB (Pott’s disease)
    • Miliary TB – Disseminated form
    • TB meningitis
    • Genitourinary TB
    • Gastrointestinal TB

2. Method of Diagnosis

  • Clinical suspicion: chronic cough, weight loss, fever, night sweats

  • Sputum Tests:

    • AFB stain (Ziehl-Neelsen) – detects acid-fast bacilli
    • GeneXpert (CBNAAT) – detects M. tuberculosis DNA and rifampicin resistance
    • Culture (Löwenstein–Jensen) – gold standard, takes weeks

  • Chest X-ray/CT scan – for pulmonary involvement

  • Tuberculin Skin Test (TST/Mantoux) – for latent TB

  • Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) – blood test for latent TB

  • Biopsy and Histopathology – for extrapulmonary TB

  • Ultrasound/MRI/CT – for organ-specific disease

3. Prevention

  • BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette–Guérin) – given to infants in high-risk countries
  • Early diagnosis and treatment
  • Isolation of active TB cases
  • Screening of high-risk populations (HIV, immunocompromised)
  • Proper ventilation and mask use in high-risk settings

4. Treatment

  • First-line drugs for drug-sensitive TB:

    • Intensive phase (2 months): HRZE
      • H = Isoniazid
      • R = Rifampicin
      • Z = Pyrazinamide
      • E = Ethambutol
    • Continuation phase (4 months): HR

  • Total duration: usually 6 months

  • Drug-resistant TB:

    • MDR-TB: resistant to H and R
    • Requires longer treatment (18–24 months) with second-line drugs like fluoroquinolones, bedaquiline

  • Adherence is critical – DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy, Short-course) ensures compliance.

🚫 Foods to Avoid in Tuberculosis:

1. Processed & Junk Food

  • Examples: Chips, instant noodles, soft drinks, packaged snacks
  • ❌ Reason: Low in nutrition and high in unhealthy fats, salt, and sugar.

2. Refined Sugar and Sweets

  • Examples: Cakes, pastries, candy, sugary drinks
  • ❌ Reason: Suppresses immune function and promotes inflammation.

3. Refined Carbohydrates

  • Examples: White bread, maida, white rice
  • ❌ Reason: Low in fiber and nutrients, spikes blood sugar.

4. Fried and Oily Food

  • Examples: Pakoras, samosas, fried chicken
  • ❌ Reason: Difficult to digest and causes bloating.

5. Red Meat in Excess

  • Examples: Mutton, beef (if hard to digest)
  • ❌ Reason: Hard to digest and may increase toxin load in weak patients.

6. Alcohol and Tobacco

  • ❌ Reason: Interferes with liver function and TB medications, weakens immunity.

7. Caffeinated Drinks (in excess)

  • Examples: Tea, coffee, energy drinks
  • ❌ Reason: May reduce calcium absorption and disturb sleep.

8. Carbonated Drinks / Soda

  • ❌ Reason: Contains sugar and phosphoric acid, which weaken bones and immunity.

9. Pickles and High-Salt Food

  • ❌ Reason: May cause water retention and is low in nutrients.

10. Unpasteurized Milk or Dairy

  • ❌ Reason: Risk of other infections like brucellosis or bovine TB.

✅ Suggested Diet for TB Patients:

  • High-protein food: Eggs, milk, legumes, chicken, fish
  • Fresh fruits and vegetables
  • Whole grains
  • Nuts and seeds
  • Plenty of water


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