Tuberculosis is one of the oldest pathologies of mankind. Over the centuries, the disease claimed thousands of lives. However, the cause of the disease was not known. The answer to the question of what causes tuberculosis could be given only at the end of the nineteenth century. It was then that a microbe was discovered that provokes the development of pathology.
The prevalence of the disease in the XX and XXI century
In the first half of the twentieth century, in developed countries, cases of infection became much less. There were no effective methods of therapy at that time. The decrease in the prevalence of pathology is associated with an improvement in the economy and social sphere, as well as the isolation of those people who have been diagnosed with the disease. But in the eighties of the XX century, an outbreak of infection reappeared in developed countries. Then many experts began to be interested in the question of what causes tuberculosis. According to the World Health Organization, the reason for this is the spread of the immunodeficiency virus and the arrival of a large number of immigrants, many of whom were carriers of the disease.
Poor economic and housing conditions, poverty, drug dependence, alcoholism, and vagrancy also contribute to the infection of a significant number of people. Due to the weakening of control over tuberculosis, the Russian Federation belongs to the countries with the largest number of patients.
What microbes provoke pathology?
It is known that any infection develops as a result of the ingestion of a pathogen of one or another ailment. What causes tuberculosis? Pathology appears due to the penetration of the microbe-bacillus into the human body. This pathogen has a specific coating that allows it to withstand adverse environmental factors. This circumstance serves as an explanation for the fact that many medications aimed at combating the infection do not give the expected effect. In addition, the spread of bacteria is very slow. Therefore, the disease may not produce pronounced symptoms for a long time. This fact is an explanation of why the detection of tuberculosis and diagnosis are difficult. Today, much attention is paid to the prevention and treatment of the disease. Of great importance is the examination of people who have a high probability of infection.
Who is at risk?
So, the answer to the question of what causes tuberculosis is known today. However, experts argue that, penetrating the body of an individual, a microorganism does not always lead to the development of an ailment. A high probability of infection is present in those who are susceptible to the effects of bacteria or are characterized by weak immunity. The risk of getting such a pathology is largely determined by the age category. According to statistics, among the patients children, young men and young individuals predominate. Women 25-34 years old become victims of infection much more often than representatives of the stronger sex. The human immunodeficiency virus is one of the main causes of pulmonary tuberculosis. Pathology helps suppress the body's defenses. Such patients should undergo a Pirke test every year and take medications if necessary.
HIV is not the only ailment that weakens a person’s resistance to the pathogen. Therefore, there are several answers to the question of what causes pulmonary tuberculosis. It is known that people with chronic pathologies of the respiratory system, blood cancer, other malignant tumors, impaired renal function and diabetes have a high risk of infection. General physical and mental exhaustion also increases the chances of illness.
Other adverse factors
Previously, people from different walks of life and age groups became victims of infection. However, over time, doctors became interested in what causes tuberculosis. Observing many patients, specialists identified several groups of people who are most susceptible to infection. These include:
- Future mothers.
- Infants born to women suffering from this infection.
- Persons living in damp, cold houses, adverse sanitary conditions.
- People who receive less important substances, vitamins, eat little and irregularly.
- Preschool kids.
- Individuals in prison.
- Those who suffer from frequent hypothermia.
- People living in rooms with a large crowd of people (for example, immigrants).
- Elderly individuals, in particular, are lonely, weakened and low-income.
- Drug addicts.
- People who abuse alcohol.
- Homeless
- Persons in constant contact with infected people.
The main cause of pulmonary tuberculosis is bacteria that penetrate the environment.
Pathogens are secreted by an individual suffering from an active form of pathology. Such a person is able to infect 10 to 12 healthy individuals, especially if he does not adhere to hygiene rules.
How does infection happen?
What causes tuberculosis? The causes of the disease are determined not only by the state of the immune system, living conditions and age category, but also by other circumstances. In order for the disease to develop, a microbe is necessary. It penetrates the human body in the following ways:
- Airborne. This is the main route of infection. Persons close to the patient are at high risk for a long time. After all, the sputum fragments that he secrets remain dangerous even after drying, since they contain bacteria.
- Contact method. It involves the use of things belonging to the patient (clothes, dishes, towels, toys, personal hygiene items). Tuberculosis enters the body with kisses, sexual intercourse. It is possible infection through the blood when wounds, abrasions are present on the body. Doctors sometimes become infected from patients in this way. Pathology can go to a person after communicating with a sick pet, such as a cat or dog.
- The food way. It is most often found among the inhabitants of the village. If a person consumes dairy and meat products obtained from an infected animal, he may be infected. In cities, this phenomenon is extremely rare, since all goods on the market and in the store are checked. It is known that the disease in this case affects the digestive tract.
- Transmission of pathogens from mother to fetus. But if a woman suffers from tuberculosis, this does not mean that the baby will also become ill. However, in the presence of an immunodeficiency virus or a severe form of pathology, there is a high risk of infection of the child. The chances of recovery in these patients are extremely small. After all, the body's defenses are not yet formed, and therapy is too difficult a test for babies.
Dangerous misconception
The immunity of people without health problems daily reflects the attack of harmful microbes. The causative agent of tuberculosis cannot develop in the body of such an individual. He immediately dies. There is a widespread belief that this infection is the lot of disadvantaged segments of the population. To the question of why tuberculosis occurs, many give an unambiguous answer, and they believe that the disease is a consequence of an improper lifestyle. However, this is not quite true. Of course, a drug addict, a person with an addiction to alcohol, a homeless person or a prisoner has a high risk of infection. But a completely prosperous individual, weakened by the stress of the metropolis, a cold, malnutrition, or recently experienced a stressful situation can also become a victim of the disease.
The foci of development of pathology
Recently, due to the increase in the number of cases, experts have been paying much attention to studying the causes of tuberculosis, symptoms, treatment, and prevention. Symptoms of the disease may be different. Manifestations depend on in which system of the human body bacteria multiply. Tuberculosis mainly attacks the respiratory system (lungs, larynx, or bronchi).
However, there are other types of illness. These are pathologies of the intestine, lymph nodes, urinary system, bone tissue, meninges, and skin integuments.
Respiratory system disease: features and types
Before the immunodeficiency virus, this form of infection was the most common. The presence of HIV in a patient explains the penetration of bacteria into other organs of the human body. What causes pulmonary tuberculosis? The fact is that the respiratory system is the first target for bacteria. They spread through the bronchi into the bloodstream, and then into other organs. To defeat germs, the human body needs to mobilize its immunity, which when poorly functioning cannot prevent the development of the disease.
There are two forms of the disease:
- Primary As a rule, people with this infection do not pose a danger to others. Most often, preschool children are diagnosed with primary tuberculosis. The disease occurs as a result of poor functioning of the immune system. Sometimes pathology affects only one part of the lung, and not the entire organ. In some cases, the disease is not accompanied by severe symptoms, and the focus of infection heals on its own. In its place, a scar forms that can only be detected on an x-ray. But sometimes the infection site is transformed into a cavity. Bacteria released from it enter the bloodstream to other organs.
- Secondary type. It develops as a result of re-infection or exacerbation of an existing ailment. As a rule, adults suffer from this form. Some patients die within a few months (in the absence of adequate therapy). Other patients experience spontaneous improvement.
Initial manifestations
As a rule, at the first examination, the doctor is able to assume that in front of him is a patient with tuberculosis, according to the symptoms and first signs. The causes of the ailment can be different. But all patients share common manifestations:
- The characteristic appearance. The patient looks haggard. He has an unhealthy gleam in his eyes. The skin is pale in color. A person’s weight is rapidly decreasing.
- Elevated temperature, which does not decrease for 30 days or more, even after the use of drugs.
- Profuse sweat, especially at night.
- Coughing attacks that do not disappear for three or more weeks.
- Feeling overwhelmed, irritability, constant tiredness.
Symptoms indicative of advanced pathology
At later stages of the development of the disease, the following symptoms appear:
- Sputum containing particles of blood. This symptom indicates the formation of infiltrate. It occurs in the process of coughing. Excessive blood flow indicates damage to lung tissue and is usually fatal.
- Discomfort in the chest area. This symptom is rare.
- Severe fever. An increase in temperature to 39 degrees and above indicates a serious condition of the patient.
The consequences of the disease
It is very important to consult a doctor as soon as possible if you suspect tuberculosis, symptoms and signs. Treatment should be started in a timely manner to prevent the development of complications. The dangerous consequences of the disease include:
- Blood flow from the lungs, which is fatal.
- Accumulation of air in the pleural cavity. This symptom leads to respiratory failure.
- Malfunctions in the lungs. As a result of this process, oxygen starvation occurs.
- Disorders of the myocardium.
- Joint damage.
- Anemia. What is anemia associated with tuberculosis? In such patients, a decrease in hemoglobin concentration is observed. This phenomenon greatly worsens the condition. Iron deficiency anemia is a diagnosis that is made by many patients.
Pathology identification, therapy methods
If a person is suspected of having an infection, they are referred for examination. Medical measures include laboratory tests of biomaterial (blood, sputum), x-rays of the respiratory system, fluorography. Therapy involves the use of such methods:
- Surgical intervention (used only in severe cases).
- Treatment and relaxation at resorts and resorts.
- Nutrition rich in proteins and minerals.
The main goal of therapy is to prevent the further spread of infection and damage to the respiratory system. The patient is prescribed drugs to fight bacteria and drugs that stimulate the activity of the immune system. In addition, patients are recommended adsorbents and vitamin supplements. A person with such a diagnosis needs to be patient. After all, the treatment period should be long. It usually takes at least six months to fight the pathology. In addition, some forms of pathogens are very resistant to external influences. This means that the process of selecting effective medicines in this case will be difficult and lengthy.
How to prevent the development of infection?
In minors, the main method of prevention is the implementation of the vaccine. The vaccine includes a weakened form of microorganisms. Immunity in children who do not suffer from any pathologies is able to withstand the effects of bacteria. However, in some situations, the vaccine is prohibited, and parents need to discuss this problem with a specialist. In adults, the main method of preventing infection is regular examination. This event is mandatory assigned to people of certain professions and people who are predisposed to pathology.
It must be remembered that many of the symptoms characteristic of tuberculosis indicate the presence of other diseases. However, if the patient has at least one of the symptoms for 30 days or more, he should consult a doctor. Coughing episodes accompanied by sputum discharge with blood drops, loss of appetite, weight loss for no apparent reason - all these manifestations are considered occasions for contacting a specialist.
If necessary, the doctor prescribes medical measures for the person (fluorographic examination, chest area x-ray, laboratory tests).
These procedures will confirm or refute the alleged diagnosis. If there is a disease, the patient must visit a specialized institution in which monitoring and therapy are carried out.