Vähktõbe

Vähktõbe, commonly known as tuberculosis (TB), is an infectious disease typically caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It most often affects the lungs but can also damage other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is spread through the air when a person with lung TB coughs, speaks, or sings. However, not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria becomes sick; some people have latent TB infection, meaning they have the bacteria in their body but are not yet ill and cannot spread the disease.

Symptoms of active TB disease can be mild and include a cough that lasts three weeks or longer, coughing up blood or phlegm, chest pains, weakness or fatigue, weight loss, chills, fever, and night sweats. If TB disease is not treated, it can be fatal. Diagnosis typically involves a physical exam, chest X-ray, and laboratory tests of sputum (phlegm).

Treatment for TB involves taking a specific course of antibiotics for several months. It is crucial to complete the entire course of medication to ensure the bacteria are eradicated and to prevent the development of drug-resistant TB. Prevention strategies include vaccination (BCG vaccine, though its effectiveness varies), prompt diagnosis and treatment of infected individuals, and public health initiatives to improve living conditions and reduce transmission. TB remains a significant global health problem, particularly in low-income countries.