Lung health essentials to combat TB
DO you ever find yourself plagued by a stubborn cough that won’t budge? Or perhaps you’ve experienced nights of restless sleep, drenched in sweat with no clear explanation.
These seemingly innocent symptoms might signal something more serious lurking beneath the surface, TB. Medical expert Dr Bridget Portia Mashaba sheds light on the spectrum of lung diseases, emphasising that the lung disease is just one piece of the puzzle. She explained: TB isn’t the only respiratory ailment that warrants attention. There exists a spectrum of lung diseases ranging from mild to severe conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and asthma. Highlighting the distinction between low spectrum lung diseases and more severe conditions, Mashaba explained: “Low spectrum diseases may present with symptoms like fever, sore throat, muscle pain and sometimes shortness of breath. While they can affect daily life and productivity, patients typically do not require hospitalisation or home oxygen therapy.” You can now get Medical Insurance brought to you by Dis-Chem Health in partnership with Centriq Insurance for as little as R469pm that gives you access to private healthcare. Mashaba emphasised the importance of awareness and prevention in combating TB. “TB is a contagious airborne disease, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making close contact with infected individuals is a significant risk factor. However, it’s important to note that the risk of contracting it is generally low in people who are not immunocompromised. Individuals are regularly exposed to TB, but those at higher risk of catching it include people with immune deficiency, such as those with HIV or uncontrolled diabetes,” she explained. Despite its challenges, TB is curable and preventable. Both your prescription and over-thecounter medications are covered by the medical insurance. Moreover, you can access a network of providers to pick up your next script without worrying about medication availability. Mashaba highlighted the crucial role of vaccination in protecting babies and young children against severe forms of TB. She said: Additionally, good ventilation in living and working spaces, avoiding overcrowding and practising respiratory hygiene are fundamental in minimising the risk of TB transmission. TB treatment requires a comprehensive approach, involving a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. With the medical insurance, you enjoy coverage for doctor (GP) visits at Prime
Cure network doctors, virtual GP consults, nurse and wellness clinic visits and health screenings, so you can get diagnosed if you think you might have any of the related TB symptoms. If a specialist consultation is required, it is covered for once a year on the MyHealth Plus Plan. Mashaba also stressed the importance of adherence to the prescribed treatment regimen to achieve successful outcomes and prevent the development of drugresistant strains of TB. Living with TB presents unique challenges, requiring individuals to adhere to specific guidelines to protect themselves and others. “Simple yet essential practises such as
Dr Mashaba is a Sefako Makgatho Health Sciences University Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery graduate. She shares her knowledge on SABC1’s Daily Thetha, is a resident doctor for Ligwalagwala FM and a former guest writer at City Press.