How do I know if I have tuberculosis?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Dang Xuan Cuong - Emergency Department - Vinmec Hai Phong International General Hospital. The doctor has 14 years of experience in the field of emergency resuscitation and poison control.
Many people wonder what signs and symptoms to rely on to know they have TB, or what diagnostic tests should be done to know exactly their TB status.

1. Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis

Common symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis are:
Cough that lasts for 2-3 weeks or more may be infected with pulmonary tuberculosis Cough, sputum from deep in the lungs, sometimes with blood Chest pain Loss of appetite, weight loss Feeling weak, tired Occasional fever Night sweats Swelling in the neck, armpits, groin... Not all patients with TB have all of the above symptoms, many people only have a few symptoms. mild symptoms. In addition, these signs are also common in many other diseases other than tuberculosis. Therefore, to know exactly whether you have TB or not, you should do differential diagnostic tests at a medical facility.

2. Diagnostic test for pulmonary tuberculosis

2.1 Tests to do

Diagnostic tests for pulmonary TB performed include:
A subcutaneous test for tuberculosis (also known as the Mantoux test), which is performed by injecting a small and safe amount of Tuberculin under the skin in the patient. inside the arm. This test can tell if you may have been infected with the TB germ by a positive or negative result. Blood tests or a tuberculin subcutaneous injection to help interpret the results of the first test. Chest x-ray to identify the signs of pulmonary tuberculosis.

2.2 Test results

What is negative pulmonary TB? If the test results are negative, you should be tested again at the next test about 2-3 months later. This is because after being exposed to TB bacteria, it takes several weeks for the immune system to react to the subcutaneous test. If after re-testing the results are still negative, you can rest assured that you are not infected with tuberculosis.
What is positive pulmonary TB? If the test result is positive for pulmonary tuberculosis, it means that you have been infected with TB bacteria and will be assigned to see a specialist to make further diagnoses by clinical and paraclinical examination to confirm. exactly how and if you are infected with tuberculosis.
Positive pulmonary TB does not necessarily mean that you have pulmonary TB infection, you may have a new infection with undeveloped TB bacteria, but this is a risk that you will get pulmonary TB in the future when these germs develop disease. When you find TB germs in your body, you need to be treated to prevent the development of the disease under the direction of your doctor.

3. Prevention of pulmonary tuberculosis

Vaccination against tuberculosis BCG

Use a mask when going out or in contact with people with tuberculosis. Cover your mouth when you sneeze, wash your hands often. Don't share personal items. Sanitize your residence, workplace, and get regular medical check-ups. Don't sleep in the same room with sick people, crowded places... If the body shows signs of suspected pulmonary tuberculosis, you should go to a medical facility to be consulted by a doctor and prescribe the necessary tests. If the diagnosis shows that you really have pulmonary tuberculosis, you should not worry too much, because this is a curable and curable disease. Most importantly, in the process of daily living and working, protect yourself with measures to prevent tuberculosis.
Vinmec International General Hospital is one of the hospitals that not only ensures professional quality with a team of leading medical doctors, modern equipment and technology, but also stands out for its examination and consultation services. comprehensive and professional medical consultation and treatment; civilized, polite, safe and sterile medical examination and treatment space. Customers when choosing to perform tests here can be completely assured of the accuracy of test results.

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