| A common and contagious disease Tuberculosis (TB) | | | | been in close touch with a person having infectious |
| spreads through the air like a common cold. While | | | | tuberculosis, a positive skin test reaction and a special |
| tuberculosis mostly attacks the lungs it can also | | | | medical condition such as HIV infection or AIDS etc. |
| affect the lymphatic system, circulatory system, | | | | Even if testing shows that the patient is infected |
| central nervous system, the bones, joints and even | | | | with an isoniazid-resistant strain, this drug is continued |
| the skin. About one third of the world's population | | | | as some organisms are yet to be sensitive. Two |
| currently is infected by TB. In this disease, latent | | | | more drugs to which the organisms are likely to be |
| infection without symptoms is most common. If left | | | | sensitive will also be incorporated into the regimen. |
| untreated, this disease can become fatal. | | | | The starting stage of treatment is very crucial in Tb |
| There are 3 important things to be followed in the | | | | treatment for preventing drug resistance and for |
| recovery process: | | | | better results. Primary or acquired drug resistance can |
| The treatment procedure must include many drugs | | | | be the case with TB treatment. Primary resistance |
| to which the organisms are susceptible. | | | | happens in patients who have had no history of |
| Regular medication is necessary for speedy recovery. | | | | antimycobacterial treatment. Those who have been |
| Therapy must continue for a sufficient amount of | | | | treated in the past get acquired resistance which |
| time. | | | | usually occurs as a result of incorrect prescribing. |
| Most of the Tb cases are curable, but the medicines | | | | As majority of the people in the developing world |
| must not be stopped half way and should be | | | | don't have access to TB drugs, it leads to more |
| continued for the prescribed period. If discontinued in | | | | fatalities. Strains of tuberculosis develop due to |
| between patients can develop drug resistant TB | | | | improper consumption of drugs which then become |
| which is very difficult to cure. | | | | resistant to treatment. This becomes very difficult to |
| Current Tuberculosis Cure | | | | cure and in this case patients have to continue |
| The most common medications used to treat active | | | | treatment for at least 2 years. |
| TB include: | | | | Disclaimer: The contents of this article are for |
| Isoniazid (INH) | | | | informational purposes only. We aim to be as |
| Rifampin (RIF) | | | | accurate as possible, but there may be some |
| Ethambutol | | | | unintentional omission of information. The content is |
| Pyrazinamide. | | | | not a substitute for professional medical advice, |
| The most common drug used for TB is Isoniazid | | | | diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of |
| (INH). This drug is fairly inexpensive, effective and | | | | your doctor or other qualified health provider with |
| easy to take. In conjunction with other drugs, this | | | | any questions you may have regarding your medical |
| drug is very effective against TB. INH preventive | | | | condition. Never disregard professional medical advice |
| treatment is advised for those individuals who having | | | | or delay in seeking it because of something you have |
| a tuberculin skin test that changed from negative to | | | | read on within this article. |
| positive within the past two years, those who have | | | | |