TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that affects the lungs, but can also affect other organs in the body. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB is preventable and treatable, yet it remains one of the top 10 leading causes of death worldwide. Let’s take a closer look at the three different types of TB—microbiologically, clinically diagnosed, and miliary TB—to better understand this disease and its effects on the body.  Microbiologically Diagnosed TB  This type of TB is diagnosed through laboratory testing. This includes sputum tests for acid-fast bacilli (AFB), cultures to detect bacteria growth, as well as molecular testing using PCR or DNA sequencing to detect bacterial DNA. Microbiological tests are used to identify which strain of bacteria is causing the infection and whether or not it’s drug resistant.    Clinically Diagnosed TB   Clinically diagnosed TB means that the diagnosis was made based on clinical signs and sym...

Tuberculosis (TB) is a common infectious respiratory disease that is caused by bacteria. It can be spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Although there are treatments available for TB, it remains a serious global health issue. In this blog post, we’ll discuss the three main types of TB; DS TB , DR TB, and PMDT.  Drug-Sensitive Tuberculosis (DS TB): DS TB is the most common type of TB and it is also the most treatable form of the disease. This type of tuberculosis can be cured with a 6-month course of antibiotics. However, if the patient does not complete their treatment regimen they could become resistant to at least one drug in the antibiotic combination used to treat them.  Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis (DR TB): DR TB is much more difficult to treat than DS TB because it is resistant to at least one antibiotic used in standard treatment regimens. Treatment for this type of tuberculosis usually requires an intensive 18-24 month regimen of mu...

Tuberculosis (also known as TB) is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. It is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Although TB has existed for centuries, it continues to be a major public health concern in many parts of the world. In this post, we will discuss what TB is and how programs like the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) are helping to fight it.  What Is Tuberculosis?  Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. It can be spread through contact with saliva or respiratory droplets from someone who has been infected with TB bacteria. Symptoms of TB include coughing up blood, chest pain, weight loss, night sweats, and fever. In most cases, treatment for TB involves taking antibiotics over a period of several months. If left untreated, however, TB can be fatal.  How Does NTEP Help Fight TB?  The National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) was created in 1998 by the Centers for Disease Contro...

 With everything that’s been going on in the world lately, it’s normal to feel overwhelmed, anxious, and stressed. Taking care of your mental health is essential for staying healthy during this pandemic, and the TBNTEP program can help you do just that. Read on to learn more about why taking the time to take care of your mental well-being is so important and how TBNTEP can help.  Why Mental Health Matters  We all know that physical health is important - but mental health is just as vital! When our minds are healthy, we’re better equipped to handle stress, make decisions, and stay focused on our goals. A strong mental state also makes us better communicators with family and friends. It’s no surprise then that taking care of your mental health is one of the best things you can do for yourself during these difficult times.  What Is TBNTEP?  TBNTEP stands for “Taking Back New Time to Enjoy Peacefully” and it’s a free online program designed to help people manage th...

Many of us often don't think too much about our lungs. But maintaining good Pulmonary health is essential to a healthy lifestyle. Whether you're an athlete looking to improve your performance or someone just wanting to live a healthier life, good pulmonary health should be at the top of your list. Let's look at what you need to know about achieving and maintaining pulmonary health.  What is Pulmonary Health?  Pulmonary health refers to the overall well-being of your lungs and respiratory system. This includes breathing easily and efficiently, as well as having enough oxygen in your body for efficient cell function. It is important to maintain proper pulmonary health because it directly affects your body's ability to function properly. Poor pulmonary health can lead to shortness of breath, coughing, headaches and fatigue.    How Can I Maintain Good Pulmonary Health?  The best way to maintain good pulmonary health is by exercising regularly and making sure to get...