Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacteria of the mycobacterium genus. These bacteria infect almost any organ of the body. According to the American Public Health Association, 70 percent of active tuberculosis infections are located in a patient's lungs. Tuberculosis may cause you to become bedridden and unable to engage in any physical activity.
Cause
Tuberculosis bacteria are present in almost every country of the world. The mycobacterium that cause tuberculosis are airborne infectious agents. The mycobacterium that causes tuberculosis was discovered in the 1800s, but cases have been confirmed as far back as 1000 B.C. Signs of tuberculosis infection have been found in some Egyptian mummies, for instance.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infection that usually manifests itself through coughing, coughing up blood and difficulty breathing. These symptoms may be combined with general symptoms such as fever, lethargy, unexplained weight loss, chills and night sweats. Tuberculosis may cause dozens of other symptoms if organ systems besides the respiratory tract are infected.
Diagnosis
Tuberculosis is diagnosed by using a combination of methods. Chest X-Rays, phlegm analysis, auscultation and computerized tomography are all used in the diagnosis of tuberculosis. If you are diagnosed with tuberculosis, all those who have come into frequent contact with you must be screened as well.
Treatment
Tuberculosis is treated using a multitude of approaches. The main treatment method of tuberculosis is antibiotic medications. Lifestyle changes are also used to treat tuberculosis. In extreme cases, chemotherapy is used as a treatment method. If left untreated, tuberculosis has a 50 percent fatality rate.
Tuberculosis and Exercise
Individuals who have been exposed to tuberculosis or have a latent infection are encouraged to be physically active. Moderate intensity physical activity provides a boost to your immune system and helps prevent the development of a active tuberculosis infection. According to the experts at MayoClinic.com, 30 minutes of daily exercise will keep your immune system in top shape. If you have an active tuberculosis infection and your health allows, your doctor may recommend light intensity physical activity.
References
- "Preventive and Social Medicine"; K. Park, J. E. Park; 1995
- "Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine 16th Edition"; Lawrence Madoff, James Macguire, Kenneth Brandt, Bruce Gillaind, Scott Thaier; 2005
- "Control of Communicable Diseases Manual 18th Edition ;" David L. Heymann; 2004
- MayoClinic.com: Health: Tuberculosis
