5 Effective Ways to Prevent Tuberculosis – Expert Advice from the Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh

Tuberculosis is an acute infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It may be considered a preventable and curable disease, yet it is still one of the top public health issues in the world and in India. As suggested by the best pulmonologists in Chhattisgarh, the only method through which the incidence of tuberculosis may be controlled is by prevention.

In this article, we are going to discuss five easy ways to avoid tuberculosis, keeping in mind expert advice from the best pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh. By following these methods, you and your loved ones can be protected against the contagious disease.

Understanding Tuberculosis

Before we talk about how to prevent it, let's quickly know what tuberculosis is and how it spreads. TB generally affects the lungs and might also affect other parts of the body, like kidneys, brain, and even the spine.

How Is TB Spread?

Tuberculosis is a type of respiratory airborne disease, meaning it's spread by very small droplets that are released into the air when an infected person:

Coughs

Sneezes

Talks

Laughs

Once inhaled, healthy persons get infected with the TB bacteria by those infectious droplets. Not everybody infected will be affected by an active form of tuberculosis, however.

There are two types of the disease:

Latent TB: The presence of the bacteria in the body but do not cause any signs and symptoms; the individual cannot spread it to others, although they might activate the TB bacteria later in their lives.

Active TB: The bacteria multiply and cause symptoms such as coughing, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Active TB is highly contagious.

Since TB spreads through the air, it is important to take preventive measures to reduce the risk of infection. As stated by the best pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh, these five strategies are highly effective in preventing tuberculosis.

1. Get Vaccinated Against Tuberculosis

BCG Vaccine: The First Line of Defense

The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin or BCG vaccine is one of the most effective treatments against tuberculosis. It is provided mainly to infants and young children with the objective of preventing serious forms of TB such as tuberculous meningitis and military tuberculosis.

Who Should Take the BCG Vaccine?

Infants and Newborns: BCG is administered as part of the Universal Immunization Program in India and given in neonatal periods.

Unimmunised Children and Adults More Vulnerable: If a person has not been immunized with BCG during childhood, such people may be immunized. Though, this has to be considered more when such persons are living in highly vulnerable areas.

Limitations of BCG Vaccine

The BCG vaccine does quite a great job of giving defence against serious TB cases among children. But it is less potent when the culture involves pulmonary TB in adults. Hence, other preventive measures have to be taken into consideration.

2. Good Hygiene and Ventilation

Why is hygiene necessary?

TB-causing bacteria are airborne, hence good hygiene is a necessary activity for not getting infected.

Better Hygiene Practices

Cough or sneeze while covering the mouth. Use a tissue or elbow not to spread infectious droplets.

Dispose of used tissues. Do not contaminate surfaces and other objects.

Practice the habit of hand washing. Infection cannot occur when soap and water is used.

Good Ventilation

Ventilation is another important factor that nullifies the chances of TB infection. Pulmonologists from Chhattisgarh state that fresh air, along with sunlight, kills TB germs.

Open windows and doors for ventilation.

Installation of exhaust fans in confined places.

Avoid crowded, poorly ventilated spaces

Proper hygiene and ventilation are simple yet effective measures to tackle tuberculosis in homes and at workplaces.

3. Strong Immunity

A good immune system will protect your body against TB-causing bacteria, making them unable to develop into active tuberculosis. The best pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh advises on the following:

Nutritious Diet for TB

Protein-Rich Foods: Eggs, chicken, fish, and legumes boost the immune response.

Vitamin C and Antioxidants: Citrus fruits, tomatoes, and leafy greens are the immunity-boosting foods.

Probiotics: Yogurt and fermented foods enhance gut health, thereby indirectly promoting an efficient immunity response.

Regular Exercise and Healthy Lifestyle

Exercise regularly: walk, yoga, or some cardio to make your body fit.

Sleep sufficiently to allow your body to recover and fight off infections.

Limit alcohol intake and smoking, as these reduce lung function.

A healthy immune system puts you at much lower risk of developing active tuberculosis.

4. Avoid Close Contact with TB Patients

If an individual with active TB is identified, precautions guarantee against infection. The pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh would recommend:

Family Members & Caregivers

Use Face Masks: Make sure the appropriate fitting N95 mask wards off the approach of TB microorganisms.

Ensure Continued Treatment Full Time: Complete the entire treatment regime so that the multiplication of TB does not take place.

Health Check-ups: If infected, seek medical attention from a pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh to administer prophylactic treatment.

These treatments keep away those who live with or care for individuals suffering from TB.

5. Early Diagnosis and Treatment

Why Early Diagnosis is Important

Early diagnosis of tuberculosis prevents its spread and complications. The finest pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh suggests regular tests for TB for at-risk groups, which includes:

Individuals whose immune system is weakened (like those infected with HIV).

Those who live in overcrowded settings like prison, shelter.

Healthcare workers who encounter patients suffering from TB more often

Diagnostic tests of TB

Mantoux Test or Tuberculin Skin Test: It detects the past or present infection of TB.

X-ray of chest: It finds the abnormal lung condition that is associated with TB

AFB Test or Sputum Test: It finds the presence of TB bacteria in the sputum of the patient.

GeneXpert Test: It is a rapid test with high accuracy.

Latent and active TB diagnosed should be treated appropriately to prevent the worsening of disease and spread of TB.

Conclusion: Choose Vidya Hospital for the Best Pulmonary Care

Prevention of tuberculosis is through vaccination, hygiene, immunity-boosting practices, safe interactions, and early diagnosis. The five expert-approved strategies that will help protect you and others from TB are:.

Vidya Hospital houses the best pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh, offering advanced diagnostic facilities along with an expert medical team and innovative treatment plans. Here, you get to breathe fresh, enjoy a healthy life, and live a life full of happiness. Visit Vidya Hospital today for consultation from the best pulmonologists in Chhattisgarh and for complete prevention strategies of TB!