Today’s Article is about TB/Tapdaq, so let me briefly explain it to you:
TB/Tapdaq is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which is transmitted through tiny droplets that are released during coughing. Therefore, it's primarily a pulmonary disease that is contagious and usually occurs after prolonged, close contact with an infected person. The incubation period is 2-4 months, but in some cases, it can be several years.
Incidents Happen in TB/Tabdaq:
Most incidents of TB occur in socially marginalized individuals. An important factor is the environment with confined air and high humidity.
Treatment:
Treatment for TB involves a combination of four different types of antibiotics over 6 months. In most cases, medication is administered in the form of a single pill provided only by the hospital. Treatment can have various side effects, requiring specialized medical attention, so it's concentrated in certain facilities across the country.
Bacterial Resistance:
Bacterial resistance (multi-resistant) against antibiotics can develop during TB treatment. In such cases, alternative medications are used, which are less effective, have many side effects, and may require treatment for up to 2 years.
Today, treatment is primarily medication-based (antibiotics), but it remains lengthy. Typically, a full course of antibiotics is necessary for 6 months to ensure complete eradication of all bacteria.
Standardized Treatment:
Most people receive standardized treatment, including four types of drugs for 3 months and two types for the next 3 months. This regimen ensures rapid killing of bacteria without developing resistance. Usually, all medications are combined into one tablet containing multiple ingredients.
If you're diagnosed with active TB, you'll typically start treatment with four drugs: Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Ethambutol, and Pyrazinamide. It's WHO's recommendation, but adjustments may be needed based on different factors, such as identifying resistance against some of the four antibiotics.
Today, there are tablets available that contain all preparations in a single tablet, making it easier to take and ensuring that you receive all necessary preparations to destroy TB bacteria.
Three months Intensive treatment:
For the first 3 months, you'll undergo intensive treatment with all four medications. Then, you'll proceed with continuation therapy using only two different preparations. Sometimes hospitalization is necessary initially, but for most people, outpatient treatment is feasible. If you're moderately ill, you may be discharged after the first week of treatment.
Risk of Infection: TB bacteria slowly grow, so treatment for an active infection should be prolonged—typically around 6 months. After about 2 weeks, you are usually no longer contagious, and you start to feel better. However, it's crucial to complete the entire course of treatment and follow your doctor's prescription.
Side Effects: Common side effects of TB medications can sometimes be serious. All TB medications can be toxic to the liver. Rifampicin, for example, can cause symptoms like fever, chills, muscle aches, nausea, and vomiting.
Ethambutol can cause visual disturbances, but these usually resolve if treatment is stopped at the first sign of the problem. Ethambutol is avoided in children because they may not be able to report visual changes.
During treatment, if you experience any of the following, you should see your doctor:
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