If a cold lasts longer than two weeks, it could be an early symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Pulmonary tuberculosis, which occurs upon infection with the tuberculosis bacteria, was once regarded as an incurable and fatal disease in the past. As a result, during modern and contemporary times, many people in both the East and West contracted tuberculosis and died. However, with advancements in medical technology in modern times, treatment has become possible and the number of infection cases has significantly decreased. Therefore, many people mistakenly believe that tuberculosis is a disease of the past that has disappeared.

 

 

 

Transmission routes of tuberculosis

 

 

Tuberculosis is transmitted through the respiratory system. When a person with pulmonary tuberculosis coughs or sneezes, tuberculosis bacteria are released into the air and can enter another person's respiratory system, leading to infection. Transmission does not occur through objects or food used by a tuberculosis patient, so it is safe to eat together or share items with a tuberculosis patient. Therefore, unlike other contagious diseases, disinfecting objects or maintaining personal hygiene is not crucial. If the patient takes tuberculosis medication consistently for about two weeks, their infectiousness almost disappears, and there is no need to isolate them as was done in the past.

 

 

Tuberculosis difficult to distinguish from a cold

 

 

 

When tuberculosis occurs, symptoms such as cough and sputum appear, which are similar to those of a cold and therefore difficult to distinguish. So, people usually seek medical attention when they cough up blood or experience symptoms like shortness of breath. At this time, there is a risk of transmitting tuberculosis to others. It is known that 25-30% of people who come into contact with tuberculosis patients become infected. Fortunately, most do not develop the disease due to immunity, but since elderly individuals with weakened immune systems or those with underlying health conditions are more likely to develop tuberculosis, early detection is important. Therefore, if cold symptoms persist for more than two weeks, it is advisable to undergo a tuberculosis test.

 

 

What should I do if I have tuberculosis?

 

 

If diagnosed with tuberculosis, you should wear a mask until the infectiousness subsides to prevent transmission. It is also recommended to frequently ventilate the home to circulate the air. Additionally, quitting smoking and alcohol consumption are essential for tuberculosis treatment. Smoking suppresses lung immune function, making it easier for tuberculosis to develop and potentially hindering treatment. Furthermore, during tuberculosis treatment, liver toxicity may occur as a side effect of the medication, so alcohol, which weakens liver function, should be avoided. Consuming unverified health supplements or herbal medicines can also weaken liver function, so only medications prescribed by a doctor should be taken.