Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of the body, like brain and spine. A type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes it.Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread through the air, just like a cold or the flu. You can get TB only if you come into contact with people who have it.
A TB infection doesn’t always mean you’ll get sick. There are two forms of the disease:
1.Latent TB. You have the germs in your body, but your immune system keeps them from spreading. You don’t have any symptoms, and you’re not contagious. But the infection is still alive and can one day become active. If you’re at high risk for re-activation -- for instance, if you have HIV, you had an infection in the past 2 years, your chest X-ray is unusual, or your immune system is weakened -- your doctor will give you medications to prevent active TB.
2.Active TB. The germs multiply and make you sick. You can spread the disease to others. Ninety percent of active cases in adults come from a latent TB infection.
SYMPTOMS
The symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) vary depending on which part of the body is affected.
TB disease usually develops slowly, and it may take several weeks before you notice you're unwell.
TB that affects the lungs (pulmonary TB)
Most TB infections affect the lungs, which can cause:
a persistent cough that lasts more than 3 weeks and usually brings up phlegm, which may be bloody
breathlessness that gradually gets worse
TB outside the lungs
Less commonly, TB infections develop in areas outside the lungs, such as the small glands that form part of the immune system (the lymph nodes), the bones and joints, the digestive system, the bladder and reproductive system, and the brain and nerves (the nervous system).
Symptoms can include:
persistently swollen glands
abdominal pain
pain and loss of movement in an affected bone or joint
confusion
a persistent headache
fits (seizures)
PREVENTION
Here are some very important things you should do to prevent spreading your TB germs to other people: Always cover your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze. Some people cough less when they drink warm liquids. While at home, spend only a short time in rooms that other people use like the bathroom or kitchen.
TREATMENT
Treatment consists of antibiotics
Treatment isn't always required for those without symptoms. Patients with active symptoms will require a long course of treatment involving multiple antibiotics.
HOME REMEDIES FOR TUBERCULOSIS
Home › Home Remedies › Tuberculosis
11 Effective Home Remedies For Tuberculosis
by John Staughton (BASc, BFA) last updated - October 26, 2020 Medically reviewed by Tamanna Sayed (B.Sc. Applied Nutrition) ✓ Evidence Based
The most effective home remedies for tuberculosis include the use of milk, pineapples, oranges, bananas, garlic, mint, walnuts, Indian gooseberry, green tea, black pepper, celery, gourds, sunshine, linseed, and winter cherry.
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually attacks the lungs, but may also affect other parts of the body. It is easily transferred through the air when the patient sneezes, coughs, or through other means that germs spread. The disease historically called consumption due to the weight loss that accompanies it.
Today, alternative research has shown that there are many different ways to treat tuberculosis, or at least counteract the symptoms and allow your immune system to regain control. The medical treatment for tuberculosis is a long and difficult process with antibiotics and a high risk of complications. Therefore, if you want to complement your treatment with some of these natural remedies, you can significantly improve your recovery time. Furthermore, by maintaining a diet or lifestyle that includes these home remedies, you can greatly lower your chance of ever contracting tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly affects the lungs. Photo Credit: Shutterstock
Home Remedies for Tuberculosis
There are many effective remedies available for tuberculosis and some of them are described in detail below:
Vitamin D
Low levels of vitamin D in the body is associated with a higher risk of tuberculosis, according to a study published in the Journal of Clinical and Translational Endocrinology. A 2019 research published in the European Respiratory Journal, suggests that vitamin D may help in speeding up the treatment in multi-drug resistant pulmonary TB patients.
While more research is ongoing to understand the impact of vitamin D on tuberculosis, for maintaining good health it is always recommended to have sufficient vitamin D intake.
Vitamin D can be found in dietary sources such as eggs, fortified milk, fish, and cod liver oil. It is also called the sunshine vitamin as you can get it by basking in the early morning sunshine.
Bananas
Weight loss is one of the key symptoms that anyone suffering from tuberculosis faces. The addition of foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and calories such as banana may help manage weight. The leaves of the banana tree have also been found useful against the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that cause tuberculosis.
Pineapples
A study published in the Journal ‘Der Pharma Chemica’ in 2010 found out that a mixture of raw pineapple juice, pepper, salt, and honey helped dissolve the mucus in the lungs of the patients suffering from tuberculosis. This may further help eliminate congestion of the lungs and nasal cavities. So slice up a pineapple or drink pineapple juice to naturally fight off TB.
Garlic
Research suggests that extract of garlic and garlic oil contains ajoene, allicin, allylmethyltrisulfide that exhibit antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and antioxidant properties. Though garlic’s allicin content is usually what gets the attention, in the case of tuberculosis, it is the sulfuric acid found in garlic that is particularly potent for the tuberculosis bacteria.
By steeping garlic in water and drinking it, or adding fresh garlic to your meals, may help boost the immune system and aid in preventing TB in the first places.
Gourds
Various types of gourds, including bottle gourds, may help in increasing immunity levels in those suffering from tuberculosis. However, more research is needed to establish the role of this vegetable against TB.
Honey
The use of honey may help provide relief from adverse reactions caused by anti-tuberculosis drugs in pulmonary tuberculosis patients, suggests a 2008 study published in Continental J. Pharmacology and Toxicology Research.
Mint
Aside from flavoring your cocktails or freshening your breath, mint may help break up mucus build-up in the respiratory tracts, allowing for clear passage of air. It also has immune-stimulating properties and antioxidants that can directly impact any infection in the body.
Crushed mint leaves can be steeped in a very potent tea that anyone suffering from TB may add to their daily dietary intake.
Indian Gooseberry
Indian gooseberry has been shown to effectively lessen the symptoms of tuberculosis, especially when pure gooseberry juice is mixed with honey and consumed. This coats the stomach and the respiratory tract and can offer relief from inflammation and discomfort, while also stimulating your immune system with its proven antibacterial qualities.
Oranges
The high concentrations of vitamin C and other beneficial nutrients such as antioxidants make oranges a very useful home remedy for tuberculosis. The saline action of orange juice can break up congestion in the lungs and respiratory tract and help lessen the amount of expectoration, coughing, and blood in the sputum.
Black Pepper
Although many people associate black pepper with sneezing, it is an anti-inflammatory substance, and it can also help to cleanse the lungs, reduce coughing, and eliminate pain and discomfort. According to a 2019 study published in Microbial Drug Resistance, piperine a bioactive compound from pepper showed promising activity against TB.
Green Tea
Some of the studies suggest that green tea may have the potential in aiding the prevention of TB. A study published in The International Journal of Biochemistry & Cell Biology suggests that green tea with its polyphenol content may have the potential to prevent TB. Another research conducted in 2017 suggests an association between the intake of tea (green tea and black tea) and reduced risk of active TB infection.
Disclaimer :TB is a very serious and fast-acting disease, so if you are suffering from extreme symptoms, you should see a medical professional. Discuss the options for alternative treatments including the above mention remedial measures with your doctor and design an effective treatment approach. You want to stay natural, obviously, but you also want to ensure your long-term health!
