Tuberculosis: Understanding the Disease – Timely Treatment and Prevention

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is an airborne disease, primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also affect other organs.

Dr. Tran Pham Hai, with over 15 years of experience in Respiratory Medicine at the Hanoi French Hospital, says: "Depending on an individual's health and resistance, the incubation period of pulmonary tuberculosis can vary.”

“During the incubation period, a tuberculosis patient may not exhibit any symptoms. As the disease progresses, depending on the affected organ, the patient may experience various symptoms.”

In pulmonary tuberculosis, the signs often manifest through the respiratory tract, through:

• Fever and night sweats

• Cough with phlegm lasting more than 3 weeks

• Coughing up blood

• Weight loss

• Fatigue.

Pulmonary tuberculosis can be prevented from spreading in the community through the following measures:

For patients with pulmonary tuberculosis:

• Patients wearing masks when interacting with others

• Covering the mouth when coughing or sneezing, and spitting phlegm in designated areas only

• Strictly following doctor's medication instructions.

For those not infected:

• Vaccination against tuberculosis. Administer the BCG vaccine to infants in the first month after birth

• Wear masks when going outside or when in contact with people with pulmonary tuberculosis

• Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eat on time and consume a nutritionally balanced diet, and regularly engage in physical exercise.

Dr. Hai says that tuberculosis can be completely cured, so those diagnosed with tuberculosis should not be overly worried. If you experience any signs of the disease, consult a doctor immediately for treatment.

For more information or to schedule an appointment with Dr. Hai, please contact our hotline at 024 3577 1100, inbox the Facebook fan page at "Hanoi French Hospital" or contact the Zalo official account at zalo.me/2008009049335817955.