World TB Day: Prevent the "white plague" and end the TB epidemic

　　Xinhua News Agency, Beijing, March 24th.

　　Xinhua News Agency reporters Mu Tiecheng and Tian Xiaohang

　　Tuberculosis, once known as the "white plague," is an ancient disease dating back as far as 70,000 years ago.

Every year on March 24, World Tuberculosis Day, aims to raise awareness of tuberculosis.

What kind of disease is it?

How to prevent it?

　　According to Liu Xiaoqing, chief physician of the Department of Infectious Medicine of Peking Union Medical College Hospital, tuberculosis is a common chronic respiratory infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, which can affect almost every organ and has various manifestations.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis has unique pathogenic characteristics such as strong infectivity, long-term latency, drug resistance, pathogenic complexity, and difficult to obtain pathogens.

　　"The highest incidence of tuberculosis is pulmonary tuberculosis transmitted through the respiratory tract. In addition to pulmonary tuberculosis, extrapulmonary tuberculosis is also very common. Any tissue and organ of the human body except hair, teeth and nails may be invaded by Mycobacterium tuberculosis." Liu Xiaoqing It is said that after Mycobacterium tuberculosis infects the human body, most people can rely on their own immunity to clear the tuberculosis bacteria, or achieve a "temporary reconciliation" with the tuberculosis bacteria, that is, latent tuberculosis infection.

　　According to reports, about 25% of the global population has latent tuberculosis infection, and their lifetime risk of developing active tuberculosis is 5% to 10%. Most (about 70%) occur within the first two years after latent tuberculosis infection. .

　　"The source of infection of tuberculosis is active pulmonary tuberculosis patients who are sick, and pulmonary tuberculosis patients with positive etiology are the main source of infection." Yang Zhengrong, a doctor of infectious medicine at Peking Union Medical College Hospital, said that when tuberculosis patients cough, sneeze, or speak loudly , which can produce a large number of droplets containing tuberculosis bacteria, which are transmitted through the air and dust. These particles can be suspended in the air for a long time, and can be up to 4 to 5 hours in a room with no ventilation. Close contacts of tuberculosis patients may Infected by inhalation of these particles.

However, people with latent infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis and cured pulmonary tuberculosis patients are not contagious.

　　What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

Experts say that coughing, expectoration for more than 2 weeks, chest tightness, chest pain, night sweats, and weight loss are all common symptoms of suspected tuberculosis.

If the above-mentioned suspected symptoms appear recently, you should go to a regular hospital for treatment in time, and complete the chest CT, tuberculin skin test, interferon-gamma release test, sputum and other examinations.

　　"There is no need to worry too much even if it is diagnosed. Tuberculosis generally has a good prognosis. Some tuberculosis patients can heal themselves through their own resistance. Most patients can be cured as long as they follow the doctor's advice and undergo regular treatment." Liu Xiaoqing said that tuberculosis is preventable and treatable. of.

But do not conceal the condition or blindly seek medical treatment, which may lead to delay in treatment and infect others.

　　How can ordinary people prevent tuberculosis?

Yang Zhengrong said that you can usually strengthen your immunity through outdoor exercise, maintain a healthy diet and regular work and rest. If you need to visit patients with tuberculosis, you should wear an N95 mask, and you should seek medical attention in time if you have suspected tuberculosis symptoms.