Health blogs by Dr. Reddy.

  Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis , affecting various parts of the body. It can be classified into several types based on the site of infection and the stage of the disease. Types of Tuberculosis 1. Based on Site of Infection Pulmonary Tuberculosis : This is the most common type, affecting the lungs. Symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, fever, and weight loss. Pulmonary TB can be infectious, especially when active. Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis : This type occurs when TB spreads beyond the lungs to other parts of the body. It includes various forms: Lymphadenitis : Affects lymph nodes, causing swollen and painful lumps. Skeletal TB : Involves the bones, particularly the spine and long bones. Genitourinary TB : Affects the urinary tract and reproductive organs, potentially leading to infertility in women Miliary TB : A severe form where TB bacteria spread through the bloodstream to multiple organs, often seen in chi...

  Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease primarily caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis . It is a significant global health concern, being one of the leading causes of infectious disease-related mortality worldwide. Causes of Tuberculosis Transmission TB spreads through the air via tiny droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, sings, or laughs. Individuals nearby can inhale these droplets, leading to infection. Only those with active TB disease in their lungs or throat can transmit the bacteria; those with latent TB infection do not spread the disease as they do not exhibit symptoms. Bacterial Characteristics Mycobacterium tuberculosis is an intracellular aerobic bacterium that grows slowly and has a unique cell wall structure that protects it from the immune system. This bacterium primarily infects the lungs but can also spread to other organs such as the kidneys, spine, and brain through the bloodstream or lymphatic system. Risk Facto...

  WHAT IS  TUBERCULOSIS Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, though it can also impact other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. The disease is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis , which spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Types of Tuberculosis There are two main forms of tuberculosis: Latent TB Infection : In this stage, the bacteria remain inactive in the body and do not cause symptoms. Individuals with latent TB are not contagious. Active TB Disease : This occurs when the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. Active TB can be transmitted to others and requires treatment to prevent severe health consequences. Symptoms Common symptoms of active tuberculosis include: Prolonged cough (sometimes with blood) Chest pain Weakness or fatigue Weight loss Fever Night sweats Symptoms may be mild for months, making it easy to unknowingly spread the disease. Risk Fa...