Expert Pulmonary Care for a Healthier Life

---

 The lungs, kidneys, spine, and brain are all affected by the chronic bacterial disease of tuberculosis (TB). For example, when an infected individual coughs or sneezes, the airborne mycobacterium that causes TB can transfer from one person to another. In a previously infected person, it can also result in infection after a period of rest.TB TB may lead to devastating outcomes or significant problems in other body regions without treatment. Most cases can be treated, although it takes months of commitment to multiple drugs. 

 A set of lung infections caused by exposure to mycobacteria present in soil and water is considered a nontuberculous mycobacterial disease (NTM) . These illnesses are not brought on by the same mycobacteria that cause leprosy and tuberculosis. NTM can impact healthy persons without a history of lung disease and those whose immune systems have been compromised by other lung disorders. 

When a person with tuberculosis sneezes, speaks, coughs, sings, or laughs, the bacteria that causes the disease is disseminated via the air. Coming into contact with objects an infected person has touched is unlikely to spread TB. Without ever acquiring TB, many people carry the predominant TB bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, in persons with weakened immune systems, TB organisms can more easily get past the body's defenses, resulting in active disease.

The non-TB mycobacterial disease is not regarded as contagious, unlike TB. Most of the time, exposure to NTM environmental sources does not lead to illness. The NTM organisms can infect the airways and lung tissue in some patients, especially those with compromised immune systems or damaged lungs.

• A chronic cough
• Coughing up sputum or blood
• Chest pain
• Extreme fever
• Night sweats or chills
• Breathing difficulty (dyspnea)
• Energy loss and exhaustion
• Appetite loss and unintentional weight loss
• Child growth problems

Your doctor will thoroughly review your medical history and perform a thorough physical examination to determine whether you have tuberculosis or a nontuberculous mycobacterial condition. Additionally, they might request additional testing, such as:

• A blood test
• Bronchoscopy
• Chest x-ray
• Breath test
• A skin test
• Pneumonia culture

Considering the type and severity of the disease, your general health, and your age, your doctor will prepare a personalized treatment plan. Medication and short-term hospitalization are frequently part of treatment programs.

Your doctor might ask you to change your lifestyle, like smoking, drinking, etc. Antibiotics and other medications to kill the bacteria can also be suggested. Surgery can be necessary to address the resultant lung damage if TB is not treated early or treatment is not adhered to.