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<s>[INST] Does a diagnosis of type 2 diabetes mean I will have to go on insulin? [/INST] No. People with type 2 diabetes may or may not ever need to take insulin injections, depending on several factors, including the timing of diagnosis. Research indicates that if type 2 diabetes is treated early and blood sugar is controlled initially and over the years, the pancreas is more likely to produce enough insulin longer. But a person who lives with type 2 upward of 15 years is unlikely to continue to make sufficient insulin and will need to take it via syringe, pen, or pump. Source: Eating Well. Link: https://www.eatingwell.com/article/290863/top-common-questions-about-diabetes/. Field: Endocrine. Disease: Diabetes </s> |
<s>[INST] What is TB? [/INST] Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). The bacteria, or germ, usually attack the lungs. TB germs can attack any part of the body, such as the kidney, spine, or brain.
There is good news. People with TB can be treated if they seek medical help. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Why TB is still a prob in USA? [/INST] Tuberculosis is preventable and treatable but remains the world’s deadliest infectious-disease killer. Having infectious TB disease means that you can spread TB germs to others. In the last several years the United States has reported the lowest number of TB cases on record, but too many people still suffer from TB. Even with decreasing numbers, TB continues to be a problem. While the number of TB cases in the United States has gone down, TB still has worse effects among racial and ethnic minorities. This is because certain minority groups are more likely to have TB risk factors that can increase the chance of developing the disease.
This booklet answers common questions about TB. Please ask your doctor, nurse, or other health care provider if you have additional questions. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How tuberculosis spreads [/INST] TB is spread through the air from one person to another. The TB germs are spread into the air when a person with infectious TB disease of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in these TB germs and become infected.
When a person breathes in TB germs, the TB germs can settle in the lungs and begin to grow. From there, the TB germs can move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as the kidney, spine, or brain. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] who is at risk for getting TB? [/INST] Anyone can get TB. Some people have a higher risk of getting infected with TB:
People who have contact with someone who has infectious TB disease
People who were born in or who frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common, including Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, China, Haiti, Guatemala, and other countries with high rates of TB
Health care workers and others who work or live in places at high risk for TB transmission, such as homeless shelters, jails, and nursing homes Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is latent TB infection? [/INST]
In most people who breathe in TB germs and become infected, the body is able to fight the TB germs to stop them from growing. The TB germs become inactive, but they remain alive in the body and can wake up and become active later. This is called latent TB infection, or LTBI for short.
People with LTBI
Have no symptoms.
Don’t feel sick.
Can’t spread TB germs to others.
Usually have a positive TB blood test or positive skin test reaction.
May develop TB disease if they do not receive treatment for LTBI.
People with LTBI do not have symptoms, and they cannot spread TB germs to others. However, if latent TB germs become active in the body and multiply, the person will go from having LTBI to being sick with TB disease. For this reason, people with LTBI should be treated to prevent them from developing TB disease. Treatment of LTBI is essential to controlling TB in the United States because it substantially reduces the risk that LTBI will progress to TB disease.
Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is TB disease? [/INST] If the immune system can’t stop TB germs from growing, the TB germs begin to multiply in the body and cause TB disease. The TB germs attack the body, and if this occurs in the lungs, the TB germs can create a hole in the lung. Some people develop TB disease soon after becoming infected (within weeks) before their immune system can fight the TB germs. Other people have latent TB infection and may get sick years later, when their immune system becomes weak for another reason. Treating latent TB infection (LTBI) is effective in preventing TB disease.
People with TB disease in the lungs or throat can be infectious, meaning that they can pass TB germs to their family, friends, and others around them. People with TB in other parts of their bodies, such as the kidneys or spine, are usually not infectious.
People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, coworkers, or schoolmates.
People with TB disease need to take several medicines when they start treatment. After taking TB medicine for several weeks, a doctor will be able to tell TB patients when they are no longer able to spread TB germs to others. Most people with TB disease will need to take TB medicine for at least 6 months to be cured. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Who is at risk for developing TB disease? [/INST] Many people who have latent TB infection never develop TB disease. While not everyone with LTBI will develop TB disease, about 5–10% will develop TB disease over their lifetimes if not treated. Progression from untreated LTBI to TB disease is estimated to account for approximately 80% of U.S. TB cases. Some people who have LTBI are more likely to develop TB disease than others. People at high risk for developing TB disease generally fall into two categories:
Those who have been recently infected with TB germs
Those with medical conditions that weaken the immune system including:
HIV infection
Substance use (such as injection drug use)
Specialized treatment for rheumatoid arthritis or Crohn’s disease
Organ transplants
Sever kidney disease
Head and neck cancer
Diabetes
Medical treatments such as corticosteroids
Silicosis
Low body weight
Children, especially those under age 5, have a higher risk of developing TB disease once infected. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the symptoms of TB disease? [/INST] Symptoms of TB disease depend on where in the body the TB germs are growing. TB disease in the lungs may cause the following symptoms:
Cough (lasting longer than 3 weeks)
Coughing up sputum (phlegm from inside the lungs) or blood
Chest pain
Fever
Night Sweats
Chills
Loss of appetite
Weakness or fatigue
Weight loss
Symptoms of TB disease in other parts of the body may include the following:
TB of the kidney may cause blood in the urine.
TB meningitis may cause headache or confusion.
TB of the spine may cause back pain.
TB of the larynx may cause hoarseness. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Should I get tested for TB? [/INST] You should get tested for TB if:
You have spent time with a person known or thought to have infectious TB disease.
You were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common, including Mexico, the Philippines, Vietnam, India, China, Haiti, and Guatemala, and other countries where TB is common.
You currently live, used to live, or are employed in a large group setting where TB is more common, such as a homeless shelter, prison, jail, or nursing home.
You are a health care worker who cares for patients with TB disease.
You are part of a population that is more likely to have latent TB infection (LTBI) or TB disease, including people who don’t have good access to health care, have lower income, or misuse drugs or alcohol.
In addition, children, especially those under 5, have a higher risk of developing TB disease once infected. Therefore, testing for TB infection in children who may have been exposed to a person with TB disease is important. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] what if I have a positive test for TB? [/INST] If you have a positive reaction to the TB blood test or TB skin test, your doctor or nurse will do other tests to see if you have TB disease. These tests usually include a chest x-ray. They may also include a test of the sputum you cough up. Because TB germs may be found somewhere other than your lungs, your doctor or nurse may check your urine, take tissue samples, or do other tests. Without treatment, LTBI can progress to TB disease. If you have LTBI, you should be treated to prevent developing TB disease. If you have TB disease, you will need to take medicine to treat the disease. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Can I give TB to others? [/INST] If you were exposed to someone with TB disease, you may become infected with TB bacteria, but you would not be able to spread the bacteria to others right away. Only people with infectious TB disease can spread TB germs to others. Before you would be able to spread TB germs to others, you would have to breathe in TB germs and become infected. Then the germs would have to multiply in your body and cause infectious TB disease. At this point, you could possibly spread TB germs to others.
In most people who breathe in TB germs and become infected, the body can fight the germs to stop them from growing. The germs become inactive, but they remain alive in the body and can become active later. This is called latent TB infection (LTBI). People with LTBI cannot spread TB germs to others. People who have LTBI can be treated to prevent TB disease. Source: CDC. Link: https://www.cdc.gov/tb/publications/faqs/tb-qa.htm. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is Tuberculosis (TB)? [/INST] Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial disease found primarily in the lungs. It is spread from person to person through the air. Persons who have tuberculosis in their lungs cough the bacteria into the air and others become infected by breathing in the bacteria. These persons now have latent TB. Without treatment for latent TB infection, approximately 10 percent of the persons who become infected will develop tuberculosis disease sometime in their lifetime. The remaining 90 percent of the people with latent TB carry the bacteria for a lifetime without developing the disease. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How long has TB been around? [/INST] TB has been around for a long time. It has been found in Egyptian mummies, meaning it is at least 5,400 years old.
TB has been called consumption.
In the early 1800s, TB may have caused about one-third of all deaths.
Years ago, people who had TB went to a special hospital, called a sanatorium, where they received treatment. Today, most people get their TB pills at home or some other place, like school or work. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How many people who are infected with TB will develop active TB? [/INST] Without medicine, about 10% of people infected with TB will develop TB disease at some point in their life.
Some people are more likely than others to develop TB disease once they have TB infection. This includes people with HIV infection, people who were recently exposed to someone with TB disease and people with certain medical conditions. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How is TB spread? [/INST] TB is a germ that is spread through the air by someone who has TB disease. You cannot get TB by eating or drinking after someone.
TB spreads when the sick person with TB disease sneezes, coughs, sings or talks. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease? [/INST] People with latent TB infection have TB germs in their bodies, but they are not sick because the germs are not active. These people do not have symptoms of TB disease, and they cannot spread the germs to others. However, they may develop TB disease in the future. They are often prescribed treatment to prevent them from developing TB disease.
People with TB disease are sick from TB germs that are active, meaning they are multiplying and destroying tissue in their body. They usually have symptoms of TB disease. People with TB disease of the lungs or throat can spread germs to others. They are prescribed drugs that can treat TB disease. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What kinds of tests might I have if it is suspected that I have TB? [/INST] The nurse will do a TB skin test or a TB blood test.
The nurse will ask:
How Are You Feeling? and
About TB Signs and Symptoms
The doctor may order a chest X-ray.
The nurse may ask for a sputum samples, which must be coughed up from deep in the lungs Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How will a doctor know if someone has TB disease? [/INST] The doctor will look at all these tests to see if you have TB.
If you do, the doctor will prescribe the medications you need to get well.
The TB nurse will give you your TB medications, as ordered by the doctor. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] When should I be worried that I might have TB? [/INST] When you have been around someone who has TB
When you have a productive cough for three weeks or longer (this is a cough that is much worse than a regular cough when you have a cold)
When you have chest pain
When you are coughing up blood Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Other symptoms that might mean you have TB: [/INST] If you have...
Fever
Chills
Night sweats
Loss of appetite
Weight loss
Fatigue (you feel very tired and don't ever feel rested)
If you have these symptons...
Go see your family doctor or
Call the public health department and ask to speak to a TB nurse Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Can you get TB in other places in the body besides your lungs? [/INST] Yes, you can get TB anywhere in your body, including:
lymph nodes
bladder or kidneys
bones and joints
skin
other places in your body Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How do you treat TB? [/INST]
There are medications to treat TB that work for most people.
Most people take four different TB pills and a vitamin pill.
The TB medications are free, if you get them from the public health department.
Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] If I have TB can I infect other people with TB? [/INST] Yes, you can infect others if your sputum samples show that you are infectious.
When you are infectious the doctor and nurse will order you to stay home and not be around others.
You should stay home until the nurse tells you it is safe for you to go back to work or any other public place. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] TB germs that need special TB drugs [/INST] Some of our TB pills do not work on certain kinds of TB germs.
Those TB germs are called Multi-Drug Resistant (MDR-TB) or Extensively Drug Resistant TB (XDR-TB). They are resistant to the most effective TB drugs. Resistant means that the usual pills to treat TB do not work. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What happens if I don't take my TB medications? [/INST] TB is a very serious disease that you can pass to other people.
DHEC is required by law to protect the public.
If you have TB and do not take your medicine, DHEC can take you to court and ask a judge to put you in a facility until you are well. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Taking your TB medications [/INST] TB is a very serious disease that you can pass to other people.
DHEC is required by law to protect the public.
If you have TB and do not take your medicine, DHEC can take you to court and ask a judge to put you in a facility until you are well. Source: SCDHEC. Link: https://scdhec.gov/health/diseases-conditions/tuberculosis/tuberculosis-faqs. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is tuberculosis? [/INST] Tuberculosis (simply called TB) is an infectious disease primarily caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB mainly affects the lungs (“pulmonary TB”) but can attack any part of the body (“extra-pulmonary TB”).
Like the common cold, TB spreads through the air. Only people who are sick with pulmonary TB are infectious. When infectious people cough, sneeze, talk, spit, laugh or sing they propel the TB germs (known as bacilli) into the air. If a healthy uninfected person inhales air containing the TB bacilli they can become infected themselves.
Infection with TB generally occurs during close contact over a period of time with someone with TB disease. Overcrowding in the home or at the workplace is thus considered to be an important predisposing factor for catching TB. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is the difference between TB infection and TB disease? [/INST] Someone who is infected with the TB bacilli has the TB germ in their body but for most people their immune system protects them from developing TB disease and becoming sick. They also do not spread the disease to other people. People infected with the TB germ generally have a 5–15% lifetime risk of developing TB disease and becoming ill.
Someone who develops TB disease following infection is sick and at risk of death. If not properly treated, they can also spread the disease to other people. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Who can get TB? [/INST] Anyone can get TB. It strikes people of all races, ages and income levels.
The following factors are associated with a higher risk of becoming infected:
close contact with people with active TB disease
HIV infection
poverty
malnutrition
homelessness.
The risk of an individual developing active disease is mainly related to their immune system capacity. Some conditions, such as AIDS, diabetes or long-term therapy with corticosteroids, can severely impair the immune system, thus increasing the chance of developing TB disease. In addition, some behaviours (such as injecting drug use) can also impair the immune system. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the symptoms of TB? [/INST] A person with pulmonary TB may have any, all or none of the following symptoms:
persistent cough
weight loss
fever
loss of appetite
tiredness
night sweats
shortness of breath
coughing up blood.
A person with extra-pulmonary TB may have the following general symptoms:
weight loss
fever
night sweats.
Other symptoms will depend on the organ or organs affected, and might include for example:
swelling of the lymph nodes
joint pain and swelling
headache, fever, neck stiffness and drowsiness due to TB meningitis. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Who should be tested for TB? [/INST] People should be tested for TB if:
they have spent time with someone who is known or thought to have infectious TB disease;
they were born in or frequently travel to countries where TB disease is common;
they live or are employed in a large group setting where TB is more common – such as a homeless shelter, prison or nursing home;
they are a health care worker who cares for patients with TB disease;
they are living with HIV; or
they are a child who may have been in contact with someone with TB disease – children, especially those under 5, have a higher risk of developing TB disease once infected and it is therefore very important to test for TB infection in children who may have been in contact with someone with TB disease. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How can TB be tested for? [/INST] WHO has recently published updated guidance on recommended approaches to testing for TB – including among populations at high risk. The guidance identifies key populations to be prioritized for TB screening using a range of methods. These include screening for symptoms, chest radiography, computer-aided detection software, WHO-approved molecular diagnostic tests and tests for C-reactive protein in the blood. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is the treatment for TB? [/INST] TB disease is curable and can be treated by a combination of antibiotics. Commonly used drugs include rifampicin and isoniazid. In some cases, the TB bacterial strain involved does not respond to the standard drugs and the patient is considered to have “drug-resistant TB” (see below). The treatment of drug-resistant TB is longer and more complicated than it is for TB that is susceptible to the commonly used drugs.
A course of TB drugs is provided to the patient along with information, supervision and support from a health worker or trained volunteer. Without such support, patients can find that sticking to the treatment can be difficult. Where a treatment course is not properly completed, the bacterial strain responsible for the infection can become drug resistant and spread.
In the case of TB infection – where the patient is infected with the TB bacterium but is not ill – preventive treatment can be given to stop the disease from starting. This preventive treatment uses the same drugs used for disease treatment but for a shorter time. Recent advances in preventive treatments have shortened the length of time needed to only 1–3 months for some patients, compared to 6 months in the past. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What if I have HIV? [/INST] All people with HIV should be tested to find out if they have TB infection or TB disease, and should be treated where necessary. If you test positive for TB and you have HIV, you should start treatment for TB as soon as possible.
People living with HIV are about 18 times more likely to develop active TB disease than people without HIV. There are several effective TB treatment regimens available for people with HIV for preventing or treating both TB infection and TB disease. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is multidrug-resistant TB and how do we manage it? [/INST] Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is classified as TB that does not respond to at least rifampicin and isoniazid – the two most powerful TB drugs. There are a number of ways in which MDR-TB can emerge and spread – including through the mismanagement or partial completion of TB treatment followed by person-to-person transmission of drug-resistant TB. Drug resistance can emerge due to the inappropriate or incorrect use of TB drugs, the use of ineffective drug formulations (such as single-drug formulations or formulations that use poor quality or badly stored medicines) and/or prematurely stopping treatment. MDR-TB can then be transmitted, especially in crowded settings such as prisons and hospitals. Most people with TB are cured only by strictly following a 6-month drug regimen with the required support and supervision. When this is not done correctly, the TB bacterium can develop resistance to the drugs being used to cure the disease.
In some countries, it is becoming increasingly difficult to treat MDR-TB. Treatment options are limited and expensive, with the recommended medicines not always available. In addition, patients may experience several adverse side-effects from the drugs. In some cases, even more severely drug-resistant TB strains may develop. However, testing for drug-resistant TB is becoming more effective due to the development of more-rapid WHO-recommended molecular diagnostic techniques. Such techniques (for example, Xpert MTB/RIF) can provide results within hours and have been successfully implemented even in low-resource settings. In addition, for many patients, treatment duration is now shorter than it used to be in the past, thus making it easier for patients to complete the whole course of treatment and increase the probability of a successful treatment outcome.
The new WHO guidance mentioned above aims to speed up detection and improve treatment outcomes for MDR-TB through the use of such molecular diagnostic testing and a shorter treatment regimen. At less than US$ 1000 per patient, this new regimen can be completed in 9–12 months for certain patients and patient groups. Not only is it less expensive than current regimens, but it is also expected to improve outcomes by improving adherence to treatment.
The main approaches to preventing or managing MDR-TB are:
to provide prompt access to services for the diagnosis of TB and drug-resistant TB;
to successfully treat the patient the first time around;
to ensure adequate infection prevention and control measures in facilities where patients are being treated; and
to ensure the appropriate use of recommended drugs for drug-resistant TB. Source: WHO. Link: https://www.emro.who.int/tuberculosis/faqs/index.html. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is the scale of the tuberculosis (TB) problem? [/INST] Although effective treatment has been available for over 70 years, tuberculosis (TB) remains the second leading cause of death from an infectious disease worldwide. The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that more than one third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB continues to be a significant disease due to factors such as immigration, the emergence of drug resistant TB strains, HIV, and other conditions that weaken the immune system. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How is TB spread? [/INST] Tuberculosis (TB) is passed from person to person through the air. Individuals with pulmonary (lung) TB can propel aerosols containing Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms into the air when they cough, sneeze, sing, speak or spit. Persons who then inhale these aerosols can become infected. Factors that determine the probability of infection include the immune status of the exposed individual, infectiousness of the TB contact and the proximity, frequency and duration of exposure. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is TB infection (“LTBI” or “latent TB”)? [/INST] Individuals with TB infection (“LTBI” or “latent TB”) harbour dormant Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms in their bodies but are not infectious and do not have symptoms of TB disease. TB infected individuals usually have a positive T SPOT.TB test result; however, assessing the probability of infection requires a combination of epidemiological, historical, medical and diagnostic findings. It is estimated that 10% of immunocompetent persons with latent TB infection will develop TB disease during the course of their lives. Approximately half of these individuals will develop TB disease within the first two years after infection, while the other half are at risk of developing TB disease at some stage in their life. The risk of progressing from TB infection to TB disease is increased in those with a weakened immune system. For example, patients living with HIV/AIDS are at a greatly increased risk of progressing to TB disease, as are patients who have undergone an organ transplant, or are receiving immunosuppressive therapy. When appropriately diagnosed, latent TB infection can be treated with antibiotics. Urgency of treatment is dictated by degree of risk of progression which is derived from consideration of epidemiological, medical and diagnostic findings. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is TB disease (“active TB”)? [/INST] Tuberculosis disease, or active TB, develops when the immune system cannot prevent Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms from multiplying in the body.
After exposure, persons can develop latent TB infection or TB disease. TB disease most commonly occurs in the lungs (pulmonary TB) but may occur in other body organs or spaces, particularly in immunocompromised patients or children, and may be localised or disseminated as occurs in miliary TB. Symptoms of pulmonary TB disease may include fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. Without treatment, TB mortality rates are high. Individuals with TB disease usually have a positive T-SPOT.TB test result; however, assessing the probability of disease requires a combination of epidemiological, historical, medical and diagnostic findings. The definitive diagnosis of TB disease is made on the basis of isolation and identification of the TB mycobacterium in culture. Identification of the mycobacterium by other means, such as genetic tests of its presence, are increasingly being accepted as proof of infection. Persons with latent TB infection are also at risk for progression to TB disease, with that risk being modulated by age, concomitant illness, medication and other epidemiological factors. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Are certain individuals at an increased risk of progressing from latent TB infection to TB disease? [/INST] The risk of progression to tuberculosis (TB) disease is higher in certain individuals, including:
Persons with weakened immune systems
Children under the age of five
Persons living with HIV/AIDS
Organ or hematologic transplant recipients
Persons with radiographic evidence of prior healed TB
Those undergoing medical treatments with immunosuppressive agents such as systemic corticosteroids, TNF-alpha antagonists and therapies followingtransplantation
Persons with leukaemia or cancer of the lung, head or neck
Cigarette smokers
Drug or alcohol abusers
Persons with a low body weight
Persons with silicosis, diabetes mellitus and chronic renal failure/hemodialysis
Persons who underwent gastrectomy or jejunoileal bypass
Persons infected with TB within prior 2 years Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Are certain groups of individuals at an increased risk of exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis? [/INST] Yes, certain groups are more likely to be exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which may lead to tuberculosis (TB) infection and/or disease. These include:
known close contacts of a person with infectious TB disease, primarily pulmonary TB
persons living in, immigrating from, or traveling to TB endemic regions of the world
persons who work or reside in facilities or settings with individuals who are at high risk for TB (e.g. hospitals, homeless shelters, correctional facilities, nursing homes, boarding schools, or residential facilities for persons living with HIV/AIDS) Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How important is treatment for TB disease? [/INST] Treatment for tuberculosis (TB) disease is vital. The goals of treatment include not only curing the patient, but reducing transmission to others. In general, the duration of treatment is 6 – 9 months, but is much longer in those with drug resistant TB. It is crucial that individuals with TB complete their entire course of treatment even if their symptoms improve. TB that is not adequately treated can reactivate or become resistant to drugs, making it more difficult to treat. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Why is the treatment period for TB disease so long? [/INST] Most antibiotics capable of destroying bacteria can only do so while the bacteria are actively replicating. The replication cycle of Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex organisms is relatively long; therefore, lengthy treatment is required to ensure that all of the bacteria are destroyed. If the treatment is inconsistent or too short, some bacteria may survive, potentially allowing tuberculosis (TB) disease to reactivate or develop drug resistance. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How important is treatment for TB infection (“LTBI” or “latent TB”)? [/INST] Treatment for latent TB infection is fundamental in preventing TB disease and overall TB elimination efforts. Completed treatment regimens reduce the risk of TB disease by up to 90%. Urgency of treatment is dictated by degree of risk of progression which is derived from consideration of epidemiological, medical and diagnostic findings.
In 2015, recognising latent TB infection testing and treatment as critical components of ultimately eliminating TB disease, the World Health Organization (WHO) set forth its first guidelines on managing latent TB infection, which were then updated and consolidated in 2018. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is there a test for the detection of TB infection (“LTBI” or “latent TB”)? [/INST] There are several methods to detect TB infection, broadly divided into tuberculin skin tests and blood tests. A tuberculin skin test (TST), which has been used to detect TB infection for over 100 years, requires an intradermal injection of a small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) into the skin. In 48-72 hours, the resultant induration is measured. More recently, blood based tests, referred to as interferon gamma release assays (IGRAs), have been introduced. The technology of the T-SPOT.TB test, an IGRA, is based on the release of interferon-gamma secreted by individual effector T cells (both CD4 and CD8) after being stimulated by TB specific antigens. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is there a test for the detection of TB disease (“active TB”)? [/INST] Identification of individuals with active TB disease is critical to TB control. Those suspected of having TB disease may undergo a number of tests to confirm the diagnosis (e.g. chest x ray, sputum culture, smear microscopy, PCR). Samples from the sputum or other sites are collected and cultured to categorically confirm the diagnosis of TB and to determine susceptibility of the strain to a range of antibiotics used for treatment. The T-SPOT.TB test may be used as a diagnostic aid in suspected TB disease patients when used in conjunction with radiography and other medical and diagnostic evaluations. The T-SPOT.TB test, like a TST and the ELISA based TB blood test, detects TB infection but does not differentiate between active TB disease and latent TB infection. Source: T-SPOT ASIA. Link: https://tspot.asia/resources/frequently-asked-questions/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is Tuberculosis (TB)? [/INST] Tuberculosis is a disease caused by bacteria (germs). The bacteria can attack any part of
the body but most commonly the lungs. Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How is TB spread? [/INST] TB is spread from one person to another through the air. When a person with untreated lung
or throat TB coughs, speaks or sneezes, the bacteria are expelled into the air. People nearby
may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. It is not possible to catch TB from
drinking glasses, cutlery, crockery, sheets, clothes or the telephone. Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is TB Infection? [/INST] If people breathe in the TB bacteria and become infected, in most cases the body is able to
fight the bacteria to stop them growing. In some people the bacteria can remain asleep in
the body and become active later. Most people who are infected with TB never develop TB
disease. A tuberculin skin test is the preferred test to show if a person has been infected by
TB bacteria. Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Who should be tested? [/INST] Testing for TB infection is recommended for people who have had contact with someone
who has active TB. Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] If I have TB infection am I infectious? [/INST] No. You can only become infectious if the bacteria become active and disease grows in the
lungs. Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is TB disease? [/INST] TB disease occurs when TB bacteria become active. The active bacteria begin to grow and
start to cause damage to the lungs or other parts of the body. Symptoms of TB depend on
where in the body the TB bacteria are growing.
TB in the lungs may cause:
> A bad cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks
> Pain in the chest
> Coughing up blood or phlegm
Other symptoms of TB disease maybe:
> Weakness or fatigue
> Weight loss
> No appetite
> Chills
> Fever
> Sweating at night Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the tests for TB disease? [/INST] > A chest X-ray shows if TB bacteria have affected the lungs
> A sputum test shows if TB bacteria are present in the lungs Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Can TB be cured? [/INST] TB can almost always be cured if medicine is taken as directed by your doctor and the
course completed. Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is TB contact a risk for pregnant women? [/INST] There is no additional risk for pregnant women. The tuberculin skin test is safe to use in
pregnant women. Source: SA Health. Link: https://www.sahealth.sa.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b/Tuberculosis+FAQ+factsheet+SATBS+20181031.pdf?MOD=AJPERES&CACHEID=ROOTWORKSPACE-1f8da955-b6d4-4f60-9e1a-f90fe8ac238b-osGVUZH. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is TB or tuberculosis? [/INST] TB is short for tuberculosis, a treatable infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis most commonly affecting the lungs. Tuberculosis can be spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs, speaks, sings, or sneezes. Though highly infectious, TB is curable when treated with antibiotics.
Tuberculosis remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, with 1 in 4 people around the globe infected with TB. In 2020, 10 million people fell ill and 1.5 million people died from TB. Even though tuberculosis is a global epidemic, over 95% of TB deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the symptoms of TB? [/INST] For individuals with active TB disease, the symptoms occur in a gradual progression. Symptoms of coughing, fever, night sweats, or weight loss may be mild for many months, resulting in delays in seeking care and increased infection of others. As the disease progresses, common symptoms are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, and fever. If left untreated, all forms of TB can be fatal. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How do I know if I have TB? [/INST] TB requires diagnosis from a medical professional. Two tests exist to determine the presence of a TB infection: a TB skin test or a blood test. The presence of an infection does not definitively determine active TB. Chest x-rays, medical evaluation, and sputum sample collection are required to diagnose the presence of active TB disease. A key challenge in ending TB is due to barriers of access to diagnosis, whether through cost or access to healthcare. Stop TB Partnership’s TB REACH and Global Drug Facility (GDF) tackle these issues from all angles, from funding, research, and supply.
Diagnosis of TB in children is extremely difficult and is often recognized only when the child is already critically ill and the disease has spread from the lungs to the brain or other organs. In 2020, 1.1 million children fell ill with TB globally. Fortunately, new technologies are currently being developed to try to identify TB in children. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What’s the difference between a TB infection and active TB disease? [/INST] One quarter of the world’s population has a TB infection, meaning individuals carry TB bacteria but are not ill and cannot transmit the disease. While these individuals are asymptomatic, people infected with TB bacteria have a 5-10% lifetime risk of falling ill and developing active TB disease. However, those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes or who use tobacco have a much higher risk of becoming sick with active TB disease.
Active TB disease indicates the presence of M. tuberculosis that has progressed from infection to active disease; in other words, what is commonly meant when we say that “a person has TB”. While the most common and communicable form of TB involves the lungs (pulmonary TB), TB can affect other organ systems, bones and joints, the genitourinary tract and other sites. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Who is at risk for TB? Do I need to be tested? [/INST] Individuals with a high risk for infection should get tested for TB.
These individuals include those who spend ample time with people with active TB disease, work in high-risk environments (long-term care, homeless shelters, correctional facilities) or recently traveled to high-risk areas (Eastern Europe, Russia, Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and Latin Americas).
The risk of active TB is greater in those with a compromised immune system such as those infected with HIV or with malnutrition. Alcohol use disorder and tobacco smoking also increase the risk of TB disease. Notably, TB vaccinations provide only limited protection from TB and still warrant frequent testing in at-risk populations. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is drug-resistant TB? [/INST] Drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) arise when a strain of the tuberculosis-causing bacteria is resistant to one or more of the medicines used to treat TB. DR-TB can occur through many ways, including but not limited to poor quality drugs, incorrect medical practices and premature termination of treatment. DR-TB is treatable, but options are limited and expensive, especially in low- and middle-income countries. Learn more here. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the treatment options if I test positive for TB? [/INST] TB is a treatable and curable disease.
If you test positive for a TB infection, you may be prescribed regiments of preventative medication to stop the disease from developing.
If you are diagnosed with active TB disease, you may be treated with a standard 6-month course of a combination of antimicrobial drugs, provided with information and support by a health worker or trained volunteer.
Despite TB being treatable, many high-risk places have little to no access to treatment or diagnostic options. Stop TB aims to bridge this gap through advocacy and GDF. Learn more here. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How can we prevent the spread of TB? [/INST] As a person with TB, there are several precautions you can take to reduce the probability of infecting others. Like COVID-19, physical distancing and covering one’s mouth and nose is necessary to prevent the spread of airborne disease. Additionally, ensuring effective air circulation can eliminate active bacteria in confined rooms.
Beyond taking these precautions, completing the course of treatment is vital to kill all TB bacteria in the body. Though symptoms may be alleviated after only a few weeks of treatment, one is still infectious as TB bacteria can be active for at least six months. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Who are "missing" people with TB? [/INST] Of the approximately 10 million people who infected with TB in 2018, around two-thirds were detected and officially reported. Around three to four million people are missed by health systems every year because they were not diagnosed, treated, or reported. Although TB is an entirely preventable and curable disease, it will continue to spread while the missing four million people remain undiagnosed and untreated. Finding them is essential if we are to end TB. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is the Declaration on Human Rights in TB? [/INST] The promotion and protection of human rights is central to ending TB. A human-rights-based approach to TB is grounded in international, regional, and domestic law. These laws establish rights to health, non-discrimination, privacy, confidentiality, participation, freedom of movement, and enjoyment of the benefits of scientific progress, among others. Human rights law also establishes the legal obligations of governments and private actors. Read the Declaration of the Rights of People Affected by Tuberculosis here.
The Stop TB Partnership, TB-affected communities and civil society are working to build evidence and operationalize a human-rights-based TB response, engaging in Communities, Rights and Gender (CRG) TB plans to promote equity and human rights at all levels through the Country and Community Support for Impact team. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How can we combat stigma and empower people affected by TB? [/INST] National governments have explicitly recognized and articulated a commitment to combating TB stigma. To support these efforts, the Stop TB partnership developed the TB Stigma Assessment tool through a collective effort. The tool aims to assess the extent to which and how TB stigma acts as a barrier to accessing services, and to support the development of recommendations to address stigma so that quality TB services are available, accessible, and acceptable to all.
Beyond combating stigma, we can empower those affected by TB by prioritizing meaningful engagement with affected communities, including TB survivors and TB key and vulnerable populations (KVP). These groups must receive the investment and capacity to strengthen community systems, particularly locally and nationally, but also at the regional and global level Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How do we talk about TB? What language should I use? [/INST] On an individual level, using appropriate language and word choice when discussing TB helps combat stigma, but also empowers those with TB. The Stop TB Partnership’s Words Matter Language Guide serves as a resource for both conversational language as well as technical/medical language to equip those with TB with the tools to speak and advocate for themselves. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What kinds of new tools and innovations have we seen for TB? [/INST] To ensure quality TB care for all, it is critical to accelerate the roll-out (i.e., introduction and scale-up) of TB innovations to improve diagnosis, treatment and care. Sputum Smear Microscopy (SSM) is the preferred method of diagnosis of pulmonary TB and often the only option in low- and middle-income countries. Though cost-effective, this traditional method lacks sensitivity and has a high false negative rate, which can result misdiagnosis in patients. More accurate, affordable, and rapid diagnostic tools are crucial to the detection of TB in the 21st century. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Which countries have the highest levels of TB? [/INST] To provide focus for global action on Tuberculosis (TB), HIV-associated TB (TB/HIV) and drug-resistant TB (DR-TB) WHO publishes and updates a list of 51 High Burden Countries (HBC) for TB, available here. These countries represent 86-90% of the global TB burden. Inclusion of countries in this list enhances political commitment and funding at national level. Source: Stop TB. Link: https://www.stoptb.org/who-we-are/frequently-asked-questions. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is tuberculosis (TB)? [/INST] Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB disease
usually attacks the lungs, however it can also affect almost any part of the body.
One third of the world’s population is infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis but very
few of these people actually develop tuberculosis disease. Tuberculous infection occurs
when a person breathes in the tubercle bacilli and it lives dormantly in the lung. People
with tuberculous infection do not usually feel ill as a result of their infection—and such
cases are known as silent or latent infections. When TB infection becomes active,
usually as a result of something that weakens the body’s immune system, such as
malnutrition, HIV or excessive alcohol consumption, the symptoms can be a cough that
lasts for more than two or three weeks, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever, night sweats
and coughing up blood. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is also known as tubercle bacilli
(because they cause lesions called tubercles). Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How is TB spread? [/INST] TB is spread from an infectious person who is coughing, to another person through the
air. Like the common cold, TB is spread through aerosolized droplets after infected
people cough, sneeze or even speak. People nearby, if exposed long enough, may
breathe in bacteria in the droplets and become infected. People with TB disease of the
lungs are most likely to spread bacteria to those with whom they spend time every day—
including family members, friends and colleagues.
After a person with a healthy immune system breathes in TB bacteria, he or she will
have 10% lifetime chance of developing TB (compared to a person living with HIV who
has a 10% chance of developing TB each year). If a person's immune system is
compromised or becomes compromised, however, the bacteria will begin to multiply.
From the lungs, bacteria can move through the blood to other parts of the body, such as
the kidney, spine and brain. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is TB treatable? [/INST] Yes. TB can be cured, including in people living with HIV. The treatment uses a
combination of powerful antibiotics over a long period (at least six months) to attack the
bacteria and ensure their eradication. It is important that people who have the disease
are identified at the earliest possible stage, so that they can receive proper treatment,
contacts can be traced for investigation of TB, and measures can be taken to minimize
the risk to others. It is very important that the complete course of all prescribed
medicines is completed otherwise there is a risk that the TB bacteria become resistant to
the drugs.
Some strains of TB bacteria have now acquired resistance to one or more of the
antibiotics commonly used to treat them; these are known as drug-resistant strains.
Treatment for these infections is much longer and much more expensive. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What can be done to combat the spread of TB? [/INST] The most important way to control TB is to find all cases of active TB disease and make
sure that these are treated properly. Five basic elements are needed: political
commitment to increased and sustained TB control; access to high quality laboratory
testing for TB; easy access to standard TB treatment, with support to patients to stay on
their treatment; an uninterrupted supply of drugs; and standardized recording and
reporting systems that allow monitoring of treatment of all patients. These are the basic
elements of the DOTS strategy for TB control, which form the basis of the Stop TB
strategy http://www.who.int/tb/strategy/en/. The Stop TB strategy includes the five
components of DOTS and has been expanded to focus on a number of additional needs:
addressing the interaction between TB and HIV, drug resistant TB, and other challenges;
contributing to health systems' strengthening; engaging all care providers; empowering
people with tuberculosis and communities; and enabling and promoting research. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How much of a threat is TB? [/INST] About a third of the world's population, 2 billion people, carries the TB bacteria, but most
never develops the active disease. Every year 8–10 million people develop the disease
and 2 million die from it. Around 10% of people infected with TB actually develop the
disease in their lifetimes, but this proportion is changing as HIV severely weakens the
human immune system and makes people much more vulnerable (about 10% develop
TB each year). Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is the status of TB transmission in the world? [/INST] Despite the above bleak statistics, until recently, TB prevalence and mortality rates were
decreasing almost everywhere. Estimates of TB infection rates continue to decline in
everywhere, except Africa, where they are rising steadily. This is explained by the
insufficient capacity of health systems to deal with the detection and treatment of
tuberculosis. It is also explained by the spread of HIV. As people with HIV infection get
ill, they become particularly susceptible to TB. Since 1990, therefore, TB infection rates
have increased by a factor of four in countries that are heavily affected by HIV. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is TB a growing concern for people working in the HIV field? [/INST] Yes. It is estimated that one-third of people living with HIV worldwide are co-infected with
TB. People with HIV are up to 50 times more likely to develop TB in a given year than
HIV-negative people.
Another growing concern is the development of drug-resistant strains. These strains can
be created by inconsistent and inadequate treatment practices that encourage bacteria
to become tougher. The multidrug-resistant strains are much more difficult and costly to
treat and multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is often fatal. Mortality rates of multidrugresistant TB are comparable with those for TB in the days before the development of
antibiotics. For more information on drug resistant TB see the section on extensively
drug resistant TB (XDR-TB) at the end. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Where is multidrug-resistant TB most common? [/INST] It is present in virtually all of the 109 countries and geographic settings surveyed by
WHO and its partners. Almost half a million MDR-TB cases are estimated to have
occurred in 2003, or about 5% of all TB cases. The highest rates of MDR-TB have been
found in Russia, in countries of the former USSR, and in China. In some provinces in
China, 8-10% of all new cases are not responding to standard TB treatment. Recent
surveys suggest that multidrug-resistant TB is increasing in some African countries. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What are the links between HIV and TB? [/INST] HIV/AIDS and TB are so closely connected that they are often referred to as coepidemics or dual epidemics. The intersecting epidemic is often denoted as TB/HIV or
HIV/TB. HIV affects the immune system and increases the likelihood of people acquiring
new TB infection. It also promotes both the progression of latent TB infection to active
disease and relapse of the disease in previously treated patients. TB is one of the
leading causes of illness and death in people infected with HIV, particularly in lowincome countries. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How many people are co-infected with TB and HIV? [/INST] An estimated one-third of people living with HIV worldwide are co-infected with TB. The
majority of people who are co-infected with both diseases live in sub-Saharan Africa. If
TB disease develops in people living with HIV it progresses much faster than in people
who are not infected and without rapid detection and effective treatment most people will
die within weeks of developing disease. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Should TB and HIV screening be done simultaneously? [/INST] Yes. All HIV-positive people should be screened for active TB. If they do not have TB
disease, they can be given prophylactic treatment to prevent development of the
disease. If they have the disease they can be given curative drugs. In countries where
both TB and HIV are common, TB patients should be systematically offered HIV
counselling and testing; indeed, research shows that TB patients are more likely to
accept HIV counselling and testing than the general population. Through this TB
programmes can make a major contribution to ensuring universal access to the full
range of available HIV treatment and care services for people living with HIV.
Antenatal and family health clinics could also offer TB screening to women at the same
time as providing counselling and testing for prevention of mother to child HIV
transmission. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is the impact of TB/HIV on women? [/INST] Worldwide, women bear a disproportionate burden of poverty, ill-health, malnutrition and
disease. TB causes more deaths among women than all causes of maternal mortality
combined, and more than 900 million women are infected with TB worldwide. In 2006, 1
million women will die and 2.5 million will become sick from the disease, mainly women
between the ages of 15 and 44.
Once infected with TB, women of reproductive age are more susceptible to developing
TB disease than men of the same age. Women in this age group are also at greater risk
of becoming infected with HIV. As a result, in certain regions, young women aged 15–24
with TB outnumber young men of the same age with the disease. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Why is more collaborative action on TB and HIV important? [/INST] AIDS is dramatically fuelling the TB epidemic in sub-Saharan Africa, where up to 80% of
TB patients are co-infected with HIV in some countries. For many years efforts to tackle
TB and HIV have been largely separate, despite the overlapping epidemiology.
Improved collaboration between TB and HIV programmes will lead to more effective
control of TB among people who are infected with HIV and to significant public health
gains. Source: UNAIDS. Link: https://data.unaids.org/pub/factsheet/2006/tb_hiv_qa.pdf. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is there any way I can avoid TB? [/INST] TB is an ‘opportunistic infection’, which means you are more likely to get it when you are run down or your immune system is weakened. This may happen through illness (such as HIV), stress or if personal circumstances mean you can’t take as much care of yourself as you usually would.
Some of the best ways to help prevent TB are to do with how you look after yourself. Try to eat a variety of healthy foods, get enough sleep and protect your body by limiting the amount of harmful substances you consume, such as cigarettes, drugs and alcohol. Good hygiene, fresh air and sunlight can also all help prevent the spread of TB. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] My father has TB. Is there any way I can catch it from him? [/INST] While it is possible to catch TB from a family member, you should be aware that:
only TB of the lungs or throat is infectious, so if someone has another type of TB you cannot catch it from them.
TB is a bacterium, so it is not spread in the same way as a cold virus. It cannot be spread through sharing clothes, bedding or objects like cups and cutlery, but you actually have to inhale the TB bacteria that someone with infectious TB coughs out.
most healthy adults have a strong enough immune system to completely kill off the bacteria if they breathe it in, meaning they will not develop TB. About a third of people’s immune systems do not kill off the bacteria completely but control the infection enough for it to remain asleep (latent TB). Only 10% of these latent cases later develop into active illness, meaning 90% do not.
TB is not as infectious as many think. While the illness can affect anyone, it is more likely to affect people with poor nutrition and poor general health. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] I have TB. What can I do to stop my family from catching it from me? [/INST] If you are diagnosed with TB in the lungs or throat you may be contagious until you have been taking your treatment for two to three weeks. Good hygiene, fresh air and sunlight can all help prevent the spread of TB.
To help prevent the spread of TB to your family or friends you should:
avoid face-to-face contact as much as possible – so don’t go to social gatherings or places where people get together, such as places of worship – use the phone or internet to keep in touch
cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
open curtains to ensure a good supply of UV light to help kill the bacteria
open windows to let in fresh air, which prevents bacteria from building up.
Only return to work, school or college when your TB nurse advises you are well enough and that your TB is no longer contagious. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is medication the only way to cure TB? [/INST] Yes – there is no proven natural cure for TB. But good nutrition and a healthy way of life will help TB treatment to work as well as possible.
There is evidence that people who are vitamin D deficient are more vulnerable to developing infections. So taking vitamin D supplements with the recommended TB treatment can help boost the immune system, which helps in fighting illness. Speak to your consultant about supplements if you think you may have a vitamin deficiency.
You need to take the full course of drugs prescribed to you, in order to protect your health and that of the people around you. TB drug treatment is very successful if taken correctly and is designed to ensure that all TB bacteria is killed off. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] I’m pregnant and have to take TB medication. What are the risks? And can my baby catch TB from me? [/INST] Make sure you tell your doctor or nurse if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, so they can check the medicine being used is safe.
Standard TB medicines (Rifampicin, Ethambutol, Isoniazid and Pyrazinamide) have not been associated with harmful foetal effects. However, supplements may be useful for your baby during breastfeeding.
Other medicines, such as Streptomycin, Capreomycin, Kanamycin, Tobramycin, Prothionamide and Ethionamide are not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
Only in extremely rare cases can a baby catch TB from its mother in the womb. If TB is only diagnosed after the birth, the baby would need to be kept apart from mum until she is non-infectious or the baby has been vaccinated against TB.
Please speak to your TB nurse and midwife if you have any concerns. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is there a vaccination against TB? [/INST] Yes, the BCG (Bacille Calmette-Guérin) is a weakened strain of TB bacteria which builds up immunity, and encourages the body to fight TB if infected. Although the BCG gives some people protection against TB, it cannot prevent everyone who comes into contact with the bacteria from getting ill.
The BCG vaccination is thought to protect up to 80% of people for a maximum of 15 years and is not generally given over the age of 35.
Until a better vaccine is developed the best way to prevent TB is to make sure people know the symptoms so they can visit a doctor and get diagnosed and treated as early as possible. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Can my child have the BCG vaccination? [/INST] The BCG is no longer offered to children in secondary schools in the UK. It has been replaced with a targeted programme for babies, children and young adults at higher risk of TB.
In changes to the BCG programme, in 2005, the Department of Health identified risk factors for TB in children as:
being born or having lived in areas where there is a high rate of TB
having a parent or grandparent who was born in a country where there is a high rate of TB.
Where children meet these risk factors, the programme recommends that babies under 12 months have the BCG, and that older children may be tested and vaccinated with BCG if needed. If required, your midwife or health visitor should automatically arrange a BCG.
Please talk to your health visitor, practice nurse or GP if you feel your child is at increased risk and they have not been vaccinated.
The BCG is not recommended as a routine travel vaccination. If children under 16 are going to live in a country with a high rate of TB, for more than three months, they may be advised to have a skin test to see if BCG is needed. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Can I have the BCG? [/INST] The Department of Health only recommends the BCG for certain groups of adults, and only then for those under 35 years of age. These include:
Close contacts of people diagnosed with TB in the lungs or throat (in which case you should be contacted by your local public health services. See your GP if not).
Occupational groups such as those working in healthcare, with the elderly, in hostels for the homeless and refuges, laboratory staff, prison staff and veterinary staff. See your HR department if you are in one of these groups. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] My child has been offered the BCG vaccination but I have heard it can be dangerous. Is this true? [/INST] The safety of vaccines is considered very carefully. When vaccines are offered it is because the risk of not having them (ie the risk of harm from an illness) is considered significantly higher than the risk of harm from the vaccine. In the UK only children who are at higher risk of catching TB are offered the vaccine.
No medical intervention (including vaccines), are 100% safe for everyone. Some people experience side effects from the BCG vaccination, ranging from abscesses at the site of the injection, to swelling in the lymph nodes. Extremely rarely, the vaccination can cause BCG disease, which can be fatal. This is most likely to happen in people with damaged immune systems, which is why the vaccine should not be given to anyone who is HIV positive. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] I had TB ten years ago – am I safe from it now? [/INST] TB treatment is very successful and is designed to kill all TB bacteria, provided that all the tablets are taken in the way the doctors instructed.
However, it is possible to catch TB more than once in your lifetime. TB is caused by exposure to TB bacteria, so if you breathe in this bacteria again at some later time, you may become ill again, especially if you have a weakened immune system. The best protection is to keep your immune system strong with nutritious food and a healthy lifestyle. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] My doctor wants my children to take TB tablets but they are perfectly well. Why do they need to take them? [/INST] It sounds like your children have been diagnosed with latent TB. This would mean they have the TB bacteria inside them, but their body is keeping it under control, although they may become ill later on.
Children are treated for latent TB, because they have under-developed immune systems, which means that they are more likely to become ill with TB than adults. Source: THE TRUTH ABOUT TB. Link: https://www.thetruthabouttb.org/talking-tb/questions-answers/. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What is tuberculosis? [/INST] Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, the spine, etc. Source: Government of India. Link: https://tbcindia.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=382&lid=2748. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How do I know if I have TB? [/INST] Symptoms of TB are usually specific to the site affected by the bacteria. Although there are some symptoms common to all types of TB, an indicative list of symptoms is given hereunder (if you experience any symptoms associated with TB, you must visit a health centre and get yourself tested immediately):
Symptoms of Pulmonary TB or lung TB:
Persistent cough for two weeks or more
Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Blood in sputum
Symptoms of Extra Pulmonary TB depend on the site/organ affected:
Brain TB- meningitis
Lymph node TB - enlarged lymph nodes
Bone TB - the destruction of bones and joints
Abdominal TB –Intestinal obstruction
Common symptoms
Weight loss
Fatigue
Evening rise of temperature (Fever)
Night sweats Source: Government of India. Link: https://tbcindia.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=382&lid=2749. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] What do I do if I notice symptoms of TB? [/INST] If you, or someone you know, is experiencing symptoms of TB, please visit your nearest health centre for a checkup. TB treatment is available free of cost at all government and identified private and NGO health facilities called treatment centres.
It will be useful to download the TB Aarogya Saathi app on your phone for basic clarifications and resources. You could also call the toll-free number 1800-11-6666 for further counseling and support. Source: Government of India. Link: https://tbcindia.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=382&lid=2750. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] How is TB diagnosed? [/INST] TB is diagnosed by demonstrating TB bacteria in a clinical specimen taken from the patient. While other investigations may strongly suggest tuberculosis as the diagnosis, they cannot confirm it.
Pulmonary TB is diagnosed through sputum smear microscopy and/or Chest X-Ray.
In Extra-pulmonary TB it is usually difficult to demonstrate TB bacteria, hence the diagnosis is made based on clinical suspicion and special tests depending on the organ affected. For instance, TB of the lymph nodes is diagnosed by a special test called FNAC (Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology).
In addition, NAAT (nucleic acid amplification test) is increasingly being used for diagnosing TB. They are highly accurate and rapid molecular tests. In addition to detecting TB, it also detects drug resistance to one of the potent anti-TB drugs, Rifampicin. Source: Government of India. Link: https://tbcindia.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=382&lid=2751. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is TB curable? [/INST] TB is curable if the prescribed drugs are taken regularly for the complete duration. Source: Government of India. Link: https://tbcindia.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=382&lid=2752. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |
<s>[INST] Is TB always infectious? [/INST] Microbiologically confirmed pulmonary TB patients (people with lung TB) are infectious. However, these patients don’t remain infectious, if at least 2 weeks of Anti TB medicines are taken. It is important to complete the entire duration of medication. In comparison, if it's a case of TB affecting other organs (other than the lung), then they are not infectious.
Wearing a mask potentially cuts transmission of the disease/infection, therefore person who has cough for any duration (even if not yet tested) is encouraged to wear a mask. Source: Government of India. Link: https://tbcindia.gov.in/index4.php?lang=1&level=0&linkid=382&lid=2753. Field: Lung Disease. Disease: Tuberculosis </s> |