By : Geraldus Sigap
Tuberculosis (TBC) is one of the oldest known infectious diseases, yet it remains a major global health concern. TB remains a significant global health challenge, particularly in countries like Indonesia. In 2023, Indonesia reported approximately 821,200 TB cases, marking a substantial increase from previous years. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the bones, brain, and kidneys. Tuberculosis spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, making it highly contagious in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
Despite medical advancements, tuberculosis continues to affect millions of people each year. The disease is especially concerning in areas with limited access to healthcare and in individuals with weakened immune systems. While tuberculosis can be fatal if left untreated, it is preventable, diagnosable, and curable with the right approach. Understanding how to prevent, detect, and treat tuberculosis is essential to controlling its spread and protecting public health.
Preventing Tuberculosis
Prevention is the most effective way to stop the spread of tuberculosis. One of the most important preventive measures is vaccination. The Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine has been used for decades to protect against severe forms of tuberculosis, particularly in children. While the vaccine does not guarantee complete protection against lung tuberculosis, it reduces the risk of severe complications such as tuberculosis meningitis.
Another key strategy for prevention is reducing exposure to the bacteria. Since tuberculosis spreads through airborne particles, proper ventilation in homes, schools, and workplaces can help reduce the risk of infection. People who live or work with individuals diagnosed with tuberculosis should take precautions such as wearing protective masks and ensuring frequent air circulation.
For individuals at high risk of developing tuberculosis, preventive medication may be recommended. Those who have been exposed to an infected person but do not yet show symptoms can take antibiotics such as isoniazid or rifampin to prevent the disease from developing. This is particularly important for people with weakened immune systems, such as individuals with HIV, diabetes, or those undergoing chemotherapy.
Recognizing the Symptoms and Getting Diagnosed
Early detection of tuberculosis is critical to successful treatment. The symptoms of tuberculosis vary depending on which part of the body is affected, but the most common signs include a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, chest pain, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. In severe cases, a person with tuberculosis may cough up blood.
People experiencing symptoms should seek medical attention immediately. Tuberculosis is diagnosed through a combination of medical tests. The tuberculin skin test (TST) and the interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) are commonly used to determine whether a person has been exposed to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. However, these tests do not confirm if the infection is active.
For a definitive diagnosis, doctors rely on sputum tests, chest X-rays, and molecular tests. A sputum culture involves collecting a sample of mucus from the lungs and analyzing it for the presence of tuberculosis bacteria. Molecular testing provides faster and more accurate results, allowing doctors to detect tuberculosis bacteria and determine whether the strain is resistant to antibiotics. Early diagnosis not only improves treatment success but also prevents the disease from spreading to others.
Effective Treatment for Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is curable with proper treatment. The standard treatment involves taking multiple antibiotics for at least six months. The most commonly prescribed medications include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. These drugs work together to kill the bacteria and prevent them from developing resistance.
Completing the full course of treatment is essential, even if symptoms improve before the medication is finished. Stopping treatment too early can lead to drug-resistant tuberculosis, which is much harder to treat and requires stronger, more toxic medications. Patients with drug-resistant tuberculosis may need treatment for up to two years, with more expensive and complex medications such as bedaquiline and linezolid.
During treatment, patients should follow their doctor’s instructions carefully. Tuberculosis medications can have side effects, such as nausea, liver issues, or vision problems. Regular check-ups with a doctor ensure that treatment is working effectively and that any side effects are managed properly.
For severe cases, hospitalization may be necessary, particularly if a patient has complications such as respiratory failure or if the tuberculosis has spread to other organs.
The Role of Pulmonologists in Tuberculosis Care
Pulmonologists specialize in diagnosing and treating lung diseases, including tuberculosis. At RS Abdi Waluyo, expert pulmonologists provide comprehensive tuberculosis care, from early diagnosis to advanced treatment plans. The hospital is equipped with modern diagnostic tools, imaging technology, and laboratory testing to ensure accurate tuberculosis detection.
Resource :
- Perhimpunan Dokter Paru Indonesia (PDPI). Pedoman Diagnosis dan Penatalaksanaan Tuberkulosis di Indonesia. Edisi Revisi 2. Jakarta: Perhimpunan Dokter Paru Indonesia; 2021.
- Perhimpunan Dokter Paru Indonesia (PDPI). Panduan Umum Praktik Klinis Penyakit Paru dan Pernapasan. Jakarta: Perhimpunan Dokter Paru Indonesia; 2021.
