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When most people hear the word "tuberculosis," they think of a disease that only affects developing countries. However, tuberculosis (TB) is quite common worldwide, with over 10 million new cases reported each year. While TB can be deadly if left untreated, it is easily curable with the right medication. Let's take a closer look at this often-misunderstood disease.
What Is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is caused by a contagious bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacterium primarily affects the lungs and can cause serious respiratory illness. In some cases, the bacteria can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, kidneys, and spine.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The most common symptom of TB is a cough that lasts for more than three weeks. Other symptoms include chest pain, fatigue, weight loss, fever, night sweats, and coughing up blood. If you experience any of these symptoms, see a doctor immediately.
Treatment for Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is treated with a course of antibiotics. Most people with TB can be cured if they take their medication as prescribed. However, if treatment is not started early enough or interrupted before completion, the disease can become resistant to antibiotics and much harder to treat. In some cases, drug-resistant TB can be fatal.
Conclusion:
Tuberculosis is a serious disease that affects millions of people worldwide each year. However, it is easily curable with prompt treatment. If you experience any of the symptoms listed above, see a doctor immediately so you can start on the road to recovery. Remember: tuberculosis is easily curable but difficult to treat if it becomes antibiotic-resistant. Don't let this happen to you!
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