Tuberculosis is an infectious disease, also called "consumption" and is known since ancient times. Tuberculosis infection is transmitted by airborne droplets and in large numbers exists in our time, however, its transmission requires a long and repeated stay near a sick person, as well as reduced immunity.
At the initial stage of the disease, the appearance of such a complex in the lungs as the Gon focus is characteristic.
How does infection happen?
As soon as the tubercle bacillus enters the human body, inflammation begins.
It happens very slowly. Since the body has not yet had time to develop ways to fight bacteria, the infection spreads quite easily. In this case, a primary limited focus of inflammation in the lung is formed. In parallel, the development of inflammation in the lymphatic vessels, the so-called lymphangitis, can begin. After the healing of the primary focus of inflammation, the affected area is calcified and hardens. The center of Gon is formed.
What it is?
So, the first stage of tuberculosis ends when there is a focus of Gon in the lungs. What is it - consider in more detail.
This is a small granulomatous inflammation, which can be seen on the x-ray, if it has already begun to calcify and has grown to large sizes.
Typically, the primary focus is formed on the periphery of the lung, usually in the middle or lower sections. At the same time, lymph nodes can be affected, which is not always immediately noticeable. Typically, the Gon focus passes without causing further concern to the patient. However, in some cases, the infection from it spreads further throughout the body and the second stage of tuberculosis occurs, which is much more complicated.
Clinical picture
The primary focus may begin acutely, gradually, but in most people it is asymptomatic. The clinical picture of the disease mainly depends on the severity of morphological changes and the size of the affected area. In children, a Gon focus may also occur. Symptoms of it depend on age. In babies from birth to 6-7 years, the greatest tendency to fleeting development of the process, due to the structural features of the respiratory system and lungs.
With an acute onset of the disease, symptoms of intoxication prevail, and body temperature rises. In gradual cases, patients from several weeks to a month may not suspect infection.
When examining children, they pay attention to enlarged peripheral and intrathoracic lymph nodes, paraspecific reactions. An important indicator is the specific reaction to the Mantoux test.
In adult patients, shortening of the pulmonary sound, hard or weakened breathing, wheezing are possible. In the blood test, leukocytosis is observed.
Therapy
For people whose doctors have established the Gon focus, treatment is usually prescribed in the form of tuberostatic therapy. Prescribe first-line antibacterial drugs (isoniazid, phthivazide and others), isonicotinic acid preparations, streptomycin.
After antibiotic treatment, the symptoms of the disease quickly enough disappear, coughing and sputum production stop. For effective therapy, it is very important to diagnose the disease as soon as possible, as well as to identify the resistance of mycobacteria to certain drugs.
Antibacterial therapy is carried out regularly, courses for one or a half years. When the temperature appears, symptomatic treatment is aimed at reducing it.
In addition, a diet and rest regimen should be introduced, multivitamins are required, and immunity is maintained.
Exodus
There are many people who have been diagnosed with a Gon focus in the lungs. That this disease is easily treatable, few know. However, the outcome of therapy can be of three types:
- Favorable - specific changes in the lungs completely absorb. This occurs with minor inflammation in the lymph nodes and timely treatment.
- Relatively favorable - the formation of calcifications at the site of the lesion and in the lymph nodes. Occurs with late diagnosis and the presence of significant changes.
- Adverse - the transition of the primary tuberculosis complex to secondary.
Thus, we can conclude that early and competent diagnosis, as well as timely treatment, can lead to a favorable outcome for patients even with such a serious illness as pulmonary tuberculosis.