We were shocked when our 23-year-old son was diagnosed with TB. It was picked up on X-ray, only after we sent him to our GP as he was complaining of a morning cough and phlegm, which we presumed was the result of his smoking.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by inhalation of the tuberculosis bacilli present in the spray caused by a cough or sneeze from someone who is actively infected.
Cough is the most common symptom of the condition along with the production of yellow or green sputum (phlegm), particularly first thing in the morning. This may be streaked with a small amount of blood, which can be alarming.
Another common symptom is night sweats that leave the sufferer drenched to such an extent that night wear and even the bed sheets may need to be changed. TB can also cause loss of appetite, weight loss and decreased energy levels.
The condition is usually diagnosed through a combination of tests including chest X-ray, laboratory examination of a sputum sample and a Mantoux test. This is a skin test where a small amount of protein from the tuberculosis bacteria is injected between the skin layers of the forearm.
The injection site is examined about two days later to check for a large firm swelling that helps confirm the person has TB. However, some people who are very ill with the disease may not react to the Mantoux test despite being infected with TB.
Does TB affect only the lungs or can other parts of the body become infected?
In addition to the lungs, TB can also attack many other organs including the bladder, brain, kidneys, joints, reproductive organs, bones and the membrane around the heart (the pericardium).
He's on a lot of tablets and was quite good about taking them initially. But five weeks into the treatment I've noticed he's not taking them all. Will this do any harm?
A combination of two or more types of antibiotics are usually prescribed for a period of six months or longer to ensure complete eradication of the infection. Because treatment is long and complex, and particularly when the sufferer begins to feel better after the first few weeks of treatment, it's all too easy for them not to take all the medication for the prescribed duration. Without completing the full course of treatment your son runs the risk of serious relapse.
His TB may even become resistant to his current medication, making complete eradication of the infection more difficult.
Marion Kerr