New Delhi: Tuberculosis (TB), a disease that can be easily prevented as well as eradicated, has been making its rounds around the globe, especially targeting the young. Tuberculosis is ranked by the World Health Organization (WHO) as among the top 10 causes of death, and young people are becoming more vulnerable to the disease. There has been a drastic increase in TB cases among youngsters due to the poor lifestyle choices they make, which weaken the immune system and make it easy for the bacteria to attack the individual.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Aravind Badiger, Technical Director of BDR Pharmaceuticals, explained how the lifestyle choices of youngsters, apart from smoking, are causing tuberculosis.
Present-day children exhibit several behaviours that put them at high risk of being infected with TB. Some of these behaviours include smoking and substance abuse, which reduces the immune system of the youngster occasioning TB. Another factor is malnutrition as many vitamins and minerals are required by the body to help fight TB and many of them can be missing in a consumer’s diet. Lack of sleep is also another condition because, through lack of sleep, one’s immunity is weakened and may lead to infection of TB. Also, pressure and anxiety play a role in weakening the immune system and therefore open the door to TB.
TB is a respiratory disease and it is transmitted through drops of secretion coming from the respiratory system such as coughing, sneezing, or talking to people who are infected with the disease. Youngsters who spend time with people who are suffering from TB, share a household, or socialize in crowded places, are likely to get infected.
TB, if not treated or if treated inadequately, can have serious and sometimes fatal outcomes. Tuberculosis in youngsters may lead to severe sickness, they may take a long time off school, work or other activities. If left untreated, TB can lead to scar tissue formation in the lungs with consequent poor lung function and overall quality of life. Also, TB can raise the odds of developing other diseases like HIV, diabetes, and heart ailments.
Preventing and controlling TB requires a multi-faceted approach. To minimize their chance of getting infected with TB, youngsters should get tested if they have been in contact with TB. Other measures include washing hands frequently and effectively with water and soap, or with alcohol-prepared hand sanitisers, avoiding close contact with infected persons, and using products that cover both mouth and nose. Simple measures like staying away from other people with TB and making favourable lifestyle changes which include getting enough exercise, a balanced diet, sleep, and coping with stress also play an important role in reducing the chance of developing TB.
The surge in TB cases among youngsters is a cause for concern. Unhealthy habits in life such as; smoking, poor nutrition, lack of sleep, and excessive alcohol consumption are some of the major factors that lead to the contraction of TB disease. Hence youngsters must adopt the right kind of lifestyle, take precautionary measures, and avoid getting affected by TB in the future. Young people must be informed and be more responsible in order not to pass TB to others.
TB is a respiratory disease and it is transmitted through drops of secretion coming from the respiratory system such as coughing, sneezing, or talking to people who are infected with the disease. Youngsters who spend time with people who are suffering from TB, share a household, or socialize in crowded places, are likely to get infected. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
