JEDDAH — COVID-19 has been dominating the headlines, and while its mortality rate hasn’t been finally determined, it is not yet as high as the mortality rate of other diseases like tuberculosis (TB), Dr. Sami Qashkari, Head of Emergency, Saudi German Hospitals Group, said on the occasion of the World Tuberculosis Day which is observed globally on March 24 of every year in an effort to combat this infection through education and awareness-raising campaigns.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), almost 4,500 people worldwide lose their lives to TB despite the disease being preventable and curable, while close to 30,000 are diagnosed with this health condition every year.

Since 2000, the WHO said that approximately 54 million lives have been saved and the TB mortality rate has been reduced by 42 per cent with patients taking the correct diagnosis and medications. In spite of these impressive outcomes, much still needs to be done to fully eliminate the occurrence of this disease in a global society.

Dr. Qashkari explained that while it can affect any organ in the body, TB is commonly known to affect the lungs of an individual who inhaled the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) bacteria. M. tuberculosis can spread through droplets in the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, spits, laughs, or talks.

Symptoms include a persistent cough that can last at least 3 weeks; phlegm, which may have blood in it when they cough; loss of appetite and weight; fatigue; swelling in the neck; fever; night sweats; chest pain; abdominal and joint or bone pain; confusion; a persistent headache; and seizures. These signs usually worsen over time. However, some symptoms can also go away but return unless proper treatment is given to the patient.

The most susceptible to TB are those with weakened immune systems due to smoking, substance abuse, and the presence of other illnesses such as HIV, diabetes, silicosis, severe kidney disorder, and head and neck cancer.

Older adults and young children can also easily acquire TB as well as individuals who first developed the infection over the past two to five years; and individuals who have not been given proper treatment for TB in the past. A person is also at risk of becoming infected if he or she visits places where TB are prevalent, he elaborated.

Like any other medical condition, early detection is vital for a higher chance of recovery, Dr. Qashkari pointed out. The length of their treatment lasts for about six to nine months depending on their condition — including age, overall health, location of the infection, and type of TB — and their body’s response to antibiotics.

Completing the treatment will ensure that no bacteria will survive, however, the lack of adherence to the treatment and medications will increase the risk of developing a drug-resistant TB, he underscored.

Failing from receiving the correct and complete treatment of TB can be fatal because the bacteria can cause other health issues in the cardiovascular system and metabolic function, among others. Patients with TB may also develop life-threatening sepsis.

Prevention is always better than cure. We advise people to stay away from infected patients until they fully recover. Covering the mouth when coughing and sneezing, properly ventilating rooms are also good preventive measures are always encouraged. Dr. Qashkari advised that people should visit their doctors as soon as any symptoms appear.

Higher awareness is the key to fighting the disease. With the right knowledge, a person can take the necessary precautions, while resources can be fully optimized to combat TB, Dr. Qashkari stressed.

SGH Group highly encourages tuberculosis patients to strictly follow the instructions given by their healthcare provider. — SG