| Tuberculosis Treatment | | | | designed for TB treatment such as Isoniazid, |
| Tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB, is an | | | | Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Streptomycin and Ethambutol. |
| infection that affects the lungs and may also affect | | | | Unfortunately, there are many strains of tuberculosis |
| bones, joints, the circulatory system and central | | | | that have become resistant to the medications. It is |
| nervous system. This disease can be highly | | | | very important for continued monitoring to ensure |
| contagious if left untreated. In 1993, the World Health | | | | effectiveness of a drug or combination of drugs. |
| Organization declared TB to be a world health | | | | In the instance where the body is resisting drugs, |
| emergency because of the frequency of infection | | | | surgery may be necessary. The portion of the lungs |
| and the ease in which it spreads. It is estimated that | | | | affected may be removed. Also, chest tube drainage |
| nine billion new cases are reported each year. | | | | may be required. In these cases, recovery |
| | | | percentages are very low. In order to reduce this |
| Symptoms of TB include chest pain, coughing, inability | | | | risk, treatment as early as possible is advised. |
| to breathe and pneumonia-like symptoms. However, | | | | Patients who have an early diagnosis or are not |
| it is also common to be infected and show no | | | | immune to the drug treatments have a high success |
| outward signs. Diagnosis of the disease will occur with | | | | rate of complete recovery. Relapses are extremely |
| a complete examination including a TB skin test. It is | | | | rare with proper treatment. |
| important to minimize the damages by early | | | | With over two billion people affected with |
| detection and prompt treatment. This can mean the | | | | tuberculosis in the world, the seriousness of this |
| difference between full recovery and possible death. | | | | disease can not be denied. Prevention of the disease |
| Treatment of this disease can be complicated, | | | | is the best way to keep the spreading of it in check. |
| especially if there are other factors such as HIV. It is | | | | This includes ensuring children are properly vaccinated |
| recommended that quarantined hospitalization occur | | | | and all shots are kept up to date. Early detection and |
| to monitor progress and reduce the risk of spreading. | | | | treatment are also key factors in guaranteeing |
| Common drug therapies include antibiotics specifically | | | | complete recovery and minimizing risk of relapse. |