Tuberculosis Treatment: Why Completing the Full Course Is Crucial

If you feel the symptoms of TB, you should immediately go to the doctor without any delay, so that it can be treated properly at the right time. If you are getting treatment for TB from a doctor, then take your medicines at the right time without forgetting. You can do the following first aid for TB -

• As long as you have TB, you are contagious, so try to stay alone so that this disease does not spread from you to someone else. 
• Cover your mouth with a tissue while coughing or sneezing and then throw the tissue in a closed box or dustbin. 
• If possible, go for a walk alone every day, it is good for your health. 
• Your body needs strength to fight TB, so eat things that contain vitamins, minerals and other nutrients. 
• You can go out and exercise, but do not do exercises that require you to do more physical work. You do not need to wear a face mask while going out, but do not go too close to people. 
• Try not to take caffeinated drinks and other things, such as tea or coffee etc. 
• Do not go to public places, such as buses, trains, etc., until your doctor tells you that you can no longer spread TB. If possible, sleep alone in your room.
• Avoid processed products like sugar, white bread and white rice. 

(Read more - From Cough to Fatigue: Common TB Symptoms in Women)

• Open the window of your room for some time in the morning and evening so that air can come in the room. 
• If you do not have a tissue, then sneeze or cough by covering your mouth with the upper part of the arm instead of your hands and then wash the whole hand thoroughly. If you sneeze or cough in your hand, the germs of TB stick to your hand and then these germs will infect the object you touch. 
• Eat things that contain antioxidants, such as carrots, black pepper, tomatoes etc. 
• If you travel in a car, then do not use a fan or AC for air inside the car, rather open the window and let the air come inside the car. If you are taking medicines for TB, take them after meals to avoid stomach upset or as your doctor has advised. 
• Avoid foods that are high in fat or cholesterol. Instead, eat tofu, fish or beans. 
• The utensils, clothes and sheets you used can be washed in the normal way. 
• If possible, use vegetable oil or olive oil instead of butter. 
• Take good care of your home and your cleanliness and do not leave the house dirty at all. If you want, you can use such vacuum cleaners, which remove even the smallest dirt. 
• Do not consume any type of tobacco, it can cause serious harm to you. If you smoke cigarettes, try to quit this habit. 
• Drinking alcohol can be harmful for you, so try to quit alcohol. 

(Read more -TB Test)

If you experience symptoms of TB, you should go to the doctor so that you can get the right treatment. Go to your doctor immediately in the following conditions -

• Difficulty in breathing. 
• Fever or headache. 
• Shortness of breath. 
• Stiffness in the neck. 
• Coughing too much. 
• Rash on the skin. 
• Feeling dizzy or faint. 
• Vomiting or nausea. 
• Diarrhea. 
• Yellowness in the white part of the eyes or skin. 
• Weight loss without any reason. 
• Urine color becomes dark or brown. 
• Excessive sweating at night. 
• Cough not getting cured for three or four weeks. 
• Your symptoms do not get better or you do not feel better. 

(Read more - Understanding Childhood TB: A Guide for Parents)

TB (Tuberculosis) is an infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs. If TB is suspected, you should immediately get yourself examined by a doctor. If TB is confirmed, it is necessary to take the medicines prescribed by the doctor regularly for the entire course, because incomplete treatment can make the disease more dangerous. The patient should take nutritious food and take care of cleanliness. TB is contagious, so one should cover the mouth while coughing or sneezing and use separate utensils and towels. Free treatment for TB is available in government hospitals, and it can be completely cured if treated on time.