Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that can be serious. TB infects the lungs and is spread from person to person via moisture released into the air when coughing or sneezing. Many people who become infected with the disease do not develop symptoms though they remain carriers. According to MayoClinic.com, TB is a major cause of death worldwide.
Cause
Tuberculosis is caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although TB is contagious it is not particualry easy to catch. The most likely cause of contagion is a close family member of co-worker. Most people who carry active TB are treated by their doctor with appropriate prescription medications such as ethambutol or rifampin. After two weeks of treatment, they are no longer contagious.
History
IN 1885, Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau opened the Adirondack Cottage Sanatorium at Saranac Lake, N.Y. This was the first sanatorium for TB patients and offered a program of isolation which balanced the benefits of rest and exercise in the mountain fresh air. Along with a healthy diet and adequate rest, Trudeau's patients began to benefit and recover with moderate exercise in the clear air of the countryside.
Considerations
Because tuberculosis is a disease of the lungs, exercise can be problematic in severe stages of infection. This is because TB can cause inflammation of the lungs which can make breathing difficult. TB can also affect other parts of the body such as the joints, which can make vigorous exercise very painful if not impossible. Left untreated, severe TB can cause permanent damage to the lungs and destruction of the joints.
Benefits of Exercise
Regular exercise can be beneficial for the prevention and relief of tuberculosis during the recovery stages. It is important however, that this is balanced with a proper diet and sufficient periods of rest. When beginning recovery a patient can benefit from 20-30 minutes moderate exercise each day, such as a brisk walk. If the patient becomes easily tired, he should rest until his energy returns. A study by Tsuboi et al published in the April 1997 edition of "Chest Journal," showed that the application of nasal ventilation can increase the endurance of tuberculosis patients as they are exercising.
Warning
You should seek medical advice if your symptoms include a cough that persists for more than three weeks, pain in the chest, fever, sudden, unexplainable weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite and nights sweats and chills. You may also experience severe joint pain or temporary back and limb paralysis.
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