Tuberculosis (TB) is one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide. Six countries account for 60% of total TB cases worldwide, with India leading the count followed by Indonesia, China, Nigeria, Pakistan and South Africa. It is a curable and preventable disease but last year the World Health Organization reported that 10.4 million people contracted TB with 1.8 million TB-related deaths in 2015; making it the top infectious killer worldwide, stated Consultant Pulmonologist Dr. Faheem Butt from Shaukat Khanum Memorial Cancer Hospital and Research Centreon World Tuberculosis Day. Dr. Faheem explained how Tuberculosis was caused – by Mycobacterium tuberculosis – and was spread from person to person through the air; most often affecting the lungs. However, it can affect any part of the body like the brain, bones, glands, and intestines etc. When people with pulmonary (lung) TB cough, they propel TB germs into the air. A person needs to inhale only a few of these germs to become infected. People infected with TB bacteria have a lifetime risk of falling ill with TB of 10%. However, its impact is amplified with preexisting malnutrition and other conditions like HIV or any disease that compromises the natural immune system of the individual. Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats. People should know that TB is curable if detected early and properly treated. If not identified and treated properly, it can be fatal, warned Dr. Faheem. Another important challenge is the emergence of multi-drug resistant (MDR) TB in Pakistan which is increasing at an alarming rate and, according to a WHO estimate, Pakistan is the fourth highest burden country for MDR TB worldwide. Dr. Faheem Buttconcluded sayingthat anyone with persistent cough, fever and weight loss should seek medical advice. Once TB is diagnosed (which may include chest X-rays, sputum testing), the patient must adhere to prescribed medicines by the consultant. TB is contagious, so they must also be cautious and take extra measures to save others from contracting the disease.
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