What should you do if you encounter "tuberculosis"? Don't panic! Changsha Fourth Hospital teaches you how to deal with it!

Recently, Mr. Zhang had a paroxysmal cough and thought it was a cold. He thought that since he was young, the cough might heal. However, this time the cough lasted for more than ten days and not only did it not heal, but he also started to have intermittent fever. So Mr. Zhang went to the Respiratory Department of Changsha Fourth Hospital for treatment.

After completing the relevant examinations for Mr. Zhang, the doctor told Mr. Zhang: Based on your symptoms and signs, you are suspected to have pulmonary tuberculosis and you need to go to a designated tuberculosis medical institution as soon as possible to continue diagnosis and treatment.

Mr. Zhang was immediately nervous when he heard this: "Tuberculosis is contagious. I have elderly parents and young children to take care of. What should I do? Do I have to stay in the hospital forever and can't go home?"

"The treatment cycle of pulmonary tuberculosis is relatively long, generally at least half a year. Because it is necessary to observe adverse reactions after taking the medicine and adjust the treatment plan in time, hospitalization is generally required in the early stage. After standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment during hospitalization, the number of tuberculosis bacteria will decrease, their vitality will be weakened or lost, and their infectiousness will also be reduced. After discharge, home treatment can be carried out to complete the full course of treatment. After discharge, if conditions permit, it is best to live alone. The room where you live should be kept well-lit and well-ventilated, and attention should be paid to disinfection and waste disposal."

The doctor patiently explained to Mr. Zhang that after exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis, the body's own immunity and the number and virulence of the invading Mycobacterium tuberculosis determine whether or not one will be infected with tuberculosis. Currently, children have been generally vaccinated against tuberculosis, and 90% of healthy people infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis will not develop the disease. However, people with reduced immunity, such as diabetics and dialysis patients, are at high risk of tuberculosis infection.

The doctor reminded Mr. Zhang that while his family members should take protective measures (such as wearing masks), they should also go to the hospital in time for Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection testing and tuberculosis screening, including tuberculosis symptoms, chest imaging, and immunological testing. If a family member is diagnosed with latent infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, preventive anti-tuberculosis treatment is also required.

Mr. Zhang followed the doctor's advice and went to a specialist hospital for treatment immediately. He also asked his family to go to the hospital for tuberculosis screening.

Doctors warn that as a chronic infectious disease, tuberculosis has a relatively hidden onset and its early symptoms can easily be mistaken for a cold.

Pay attention: If you experience the following symptoms, be alert to tuberculosis!

1. Cough and sputum last for more than 2 weeks.

2. Blood in sputum, hemoptysis, and chest pain.

3. Low fever in the afternoon, night sweats, fatigue, decreased appetite, and weight loss.

How to prevent tuberculosis?

1. Daily protection: 3 small things to protect your health

Ventilation! Ventilation! Ventilation! I must say this three times.

Tuberculosis bacteria are afraid of fresh air, so open the windows twice a day, each time for half an hour.

Wear a mask: If a family member is sick, remember to wear a medical mask and the patient should cover his mouth and nose when coughing.

BCG vaccination for children: Although it cannot 100% prevent tuberculosis, it can greatly reduce the risk of severe illness (adults do not need to be vaccinated).

2. The ultimate weapon: preventive treatment

If a latent infection is detected and you are in a high-risk group, it is recommended to "take medicine in advance to eliminate hidden dangers"!

Take good prevention measures, diagnose and treat early, live a healthy life without tuberculosis!

Hunan Medical Chat Special Author: Wen Lu from Changsha Fourth Hospital

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(Edited by YT)