A client with primary TB infection can expect to develop which of the following conditions
Tuberculosis, or TB, is a bacterial infection that usually infects the lungs. Other organs, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain may also be involved. TB is primarily spread from person to person in an airborne manner, such as when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also cause an active infection after a period of not being active in someone who was exposed at an earlier time. There is a difference between being
infected with the TB bacterium and having active tuberculosis disease. The following are the stages of TB: The main TB bacterium is Mycobacterium tuberculosis
(M. tuberculosis). Many people infected with this bacterium never develop active TB. They remain in the latent (inactive) TB stage. However, in people with weak immune systems, especially those with HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), or those receiving medicines that suppress the immune system, TB organisms can overcome the body's defenses, multiply, and cause an active disease. The TB bacterium is spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, sings, or laughs.
It’s not likely to be spread through personal items, such as clothing, bedding, a drinking glass, eating utensils, a handshake, a toilet, or other items that a person with TB has touched. Good ventilation is the most important measure to prevent the transmission of TB. Who is at risk for TB?TB affects people of all ages, races and income levels. Those at higher risk include the following:
What are the symptoms of TB?The following are the most common symptoms of active TB. However, each person may experience symptoms differently:
The symptoms of TB may look like other lung conditions or medical problems. Talk with a healthcare provider for a diagnosis. How is TB diagnosed?TB is often diagnosed with a skin test. In this test, a small amount of testing material is injected into the top layer of the skin. If a certain size bump develops within 2 or 3 days, the test may be positive for tuberculosis infection. Other tests include X-rays and sputum tests. A blood test can be done in place of the TB skin test. TB skin tests are suggested for those:
For skin testing in children, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends testing:
How is TB treated?Your healthcare provider will figure out the best treatment for you based on:
Treatment may include:
What are the complications of TB?If TB is not treated early or if treatment isn’t followed, permanent lung damage can result. Can TB be prevented?If you will be spending time with a person or people with active TB, wear a face mask and try not to stay in a small enclosed space with poor ventilation. People who work in situations where there is a high risk for encountering people infected with TB, such as healthcare workers, should be tested for TB on a routine basis. In countries outside the U.S. where TB is more common, a childhood vaccine is often given. When should I call my healthcare provider?If your symptoms get worse or you get new symptoms, let your healthcare provider know. Key points about TB
Next stepsTips to help you get the most from a visit to your healthcare provider:
What is the main complication of primary tuberculosis?An unusual complication of primary tuberculosis is bronchial obstruction due to pressure of a node on a main bronchus. This phenomenon, sometimes called epituberculosis, may lead to secondary bronchiectasis. Untreated primary disease may progress to involve the entire lung and disseminate.
What are the symptoms of primary TB?Signs and symptoms of active TB include:. Coughing for three or more weeks.. Coughing up blood or mucus.. Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing.. Unintentional weight loss.. Fatigue.. Fever.. Night sweats.. Chills.. What happens primary tuberculosis?You can get TB by breathing in air droplets from a cough or sneeze of an infected person. The resulting lung infection is called primary TB. Most people recover from primary TB infection without further evidence of the disease. The infection may stay inactive (dormant) for years.
Which clinical manifestations would be expected of a client with tuberculosis TB )?Typical presentation is acute with fever, cough and localized pleuritic chest pain. It may follow recent primary infection or result from reactivation. If part of primary infection, the effusion may be self-limiting.
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