Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 18, 2024
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Tuberculosis is mainly due to the infection of the human body by tuberculosis bacteria, which proliferate massively within the body, destroying the tissues and organs, and producing some blood syndromes related to combined toxins. Symptoms such as low-grade fever, night sweats, blood-stained sputum, and afternoon feverishness are common, and weight loss is also a common occurrence.

Different forms of tuberculosis have different clinical symptoms. Tuberculosis can be cured if it is identified early and treated promptly and properly with anti-tuberculosis therapy, allowing many to recover completely.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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Is pulmonary tuberculosis contagious?

The source of transmission for tuberculosis mainly comes from patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis, also known as bacterium-shedding patients. This is determined when tuberculosis bacteria are found in the patient's sputum. Tuberculous pleurisy, commonly referred to as tuberculous pleurisy, is not contagious. This is because the pleural effusion is confined within the pleural cavity, isolated from the external environment, and the chances of detecting tuberculosis bacteria in the pleural fluid are very low. Therefore, it is generally not contagious and there is no need for concern. The treatment duration for tuberculous pleurisy is longer than that for pulmonary tuberculosis, typically lasting 9 to 12 months. It is important to follow medical advice and complete the course of anti-tuberculosis treatment.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Is tuberculosis infectious?

Only patients whose active phlegm contains tuberculosis bacteria are infectious. Many cases of tuberculosis are actually non-contagious. For example, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, such as lymph node tuberculosis, tuberculous pleurisy, and tuberculous meningitis, are not contagious. Pulmonary tuberculosis patients, whose phlegm contains tuberculosis bacteria, are contagious and need appropriate respiratory isolation and should begin anti-tuberculosis treatment as soon as possible. Through anti-tuberculosis treatment, contagious pulmonary tuberculosis can become non-contagious.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
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Can you eat onions during tuberculosis medication?

Patients with tuberculosis can normally eat onions during their medication period. It is beneficial to eat more vegetables and fruits to provide the body with ample vitamins and fiber. In addition to eating onions, there should also be a proper intake of high-quality proteins, such as chicken, duck, fish, lean meats, eggs, and soy products, as well as foods rich in carbohydrates and calories. Timely and standard anti-tuberculosis treatment is crucial; patients must take their medication regularly. Most patients can fully recover if the medication is taken on schedule. Irregular and untimely medication can lead to poor treatment outcomes.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Is pulmonary fibrosis always caused by tuberculosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis foci do not necessarily result from tuberculosis, although tuberculosis is a relatively common cause of such fibrosis. After tuberculosis is cured, pulmonary fibrosis foci may remain. However, in cases of general pulmonary inflammation, sometimes the lesion is not completely absorbed, which may also result in fibrosis. If the pulmonary fibrosis foci are a result of tuberculosis, there is a certain risk of recurrence. In such cases, measures should be taken to prevent recurrence, such as ensuring balanced nutrition and engaging in appropriate exercise to enhance one's resistance. These measures help prevent the recurrence of tuberculosis. Additionally, pulmonary fibrosis foci can also lead to changes in lung structure, making patients relatively more susceptible to respiratory infections. Therefore, for pulmonary fibrosis foci, it is also important to keep warm and prevent respiratory infections.

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Written by Han Shun Li
Pulmonology
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How to maintain health after recovering from tuberculosis?

Now, tuberculosis is a curable disease. Therefore, after recovering from tuberculosis, the first step in maintenance is to stay calm and not to consider oneself as a patient anymore. After recovery, one's health status is the same as before, and it is crucial to maintain a healthy mental state. Additionally, one should have a regular lifestyle, balanced nutrition; avoid overwork and staying up late; avoid smoking and drinking; actively exercise and engage in outdoor activities to enhance the body's resistance and adaptability; with changes in weather, timely adjust clothing to avoid catching cold, and actively prevent colds and so on.