Health expert talks on how to detect, cure, prevent common cough, TB
ADMIT it or not but a cough is most of the time not taken too seriously. Some might think that it’s just one of the most common ailments, which is considered the body’s defensive response when anything irritates the airways or the throat. Such is a fact.
But a chronic cough lasting for several weeks, or months should set the alarm that it needs to be investigated by a doctor. More so if accompanied by other symptoms like fever, difficulty of breathing, blood in the sputum or weight loss. What’s more confusing is the presentation of cough in other diseases or conditions which is the same with tuberculosis (TB).
“TB cough usually presents at least two weeks or more, and may even last for months, especially if untreated or if the patient has no appropriate treatment for TB,” said Dr. Alvin Francisco, a radiologist at the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (NKTI) in Quezon City. “TB cough may also be accompanied by fever, weight loss, night sweats or blood in the sputum [or phlegm].”
Common cough vs TB
THE health-care practitioner from NKTI shared some indications to differentiate common cough from TB.
According to him, common cough and colds symptoms involve the throat and nasal passage. The former is distinguishable as dry or moist, with post-nasal drip (tickling in the back of the throat). The latter often starts with a sore throat and runny nose, followed by coughing and sneezing with or without fever.
Both could be described with a shorter duration and self-limiting condition. They heal in five to seven days. Such diseases can be diagnosed based only on a physical exam and history, without the need for any further testing or screening.
In the case of TB, especially for adults, Dr. Francisco advised to look for these major signs and symptoms that lasts for a couple of weeks or more: cough, unexplained fever and weight loss, and night sweats.
He noted that a chest X-ray is used to initially screen TB, and reveals radiographic signs typical of TB, such as upper lobe infiltrates or cavities. A sputum test is further done to confirm if a person has it. All those with at least one of the cardinal signs and symptoms of TB OR with CXR finding suggestive of TB should undergo sputum testing (rapid molecular test).
Precautionary measures
AS an old adage says, “prevention is better than cure.” For those who are found to have TB or taking medications, they can stop transmission in various ways.
When coughing or sneezing, don’t forget to cover the mouth and nose with a tissue, towel, collar, or sleeves. Constant use of a face mask is very helpful, especially if with respiratory symptoms. Also, avoid spitting in private or public places.
Better isolate if the proper TB treatment has not started or is still within the first two weeks of cure. Good ventilation is very important, so open the windows of the house or use a fan to facilitate air movement.
Make sure that all the medical appointments are kept. A doctor’s examination will ensure that the TB medication is effective. A treatment may take longer or get worse if medications are not taken regularly. Above all, it’s best to practice healthy habits, such as eating healthy, exercising, avoid smoking and drinking alcohol.
“TB is curable—as long as you take your medications every day and you religiously follow your doctor’s orders,” said Dr. Francisco. “For those who are still in denial and refuse to get tested or treated, ask and acknowledge why they don’t want to get the treatment. Then from there, educate and plan action on how to advise them.”
For check-ups, he reminded a patient to always go to the nearest health centers or barangay clinics. Visit https://tbfree.ph/ to get more pertinent TB information. This weblink forms part of the Department of Health’s local communication campaign, “Para Healthy Lungs, Konsultayo,” which is supported by the United States Agency for International Development’s TB Innovations and Health Systems Project.