Prevention of tuberculosis
Content:
- Factors for the development of tuberculosis
- Prevention of tuberculosis in children
- Prevention of tuberculosis in adults
- Non-specific methods of prevention
- Prevention of the site of infection
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease that is triggered by specific bacteria. They are introduced into the human body and can be there throughout life.
The source of the spread of tuberculosis infection is people with active pulmonary tuberculosis. In order to understand the basics of preventing this disease, you need to assess the factors that affect its development.
Factors for the development of tuberculosis
Not every person who gets the Koch's bacillus (the causative agent of tuberculosis) into the respiratory tract is faced with this disease.
The development of the disease in the body is influenced by such factors as:
- frequent alcohol consumption;
- nicotine addiction;
- weakening of immunity;
- stressful situations;
- drug use;
- frequent ARVI.
Also, the appearance of tuberculosis can accelerate or aggravate the appearance of poor nutrition, dampness and dirt in the living room, chronic diseases of organs such as lungs, liver, kidneys. The likelihood of this ailment increases with diabetes mellitus, hormonal and cytostatic therapy. Thus, for successful prevention, it is recommended that provoking factors be eliminated as much as possible. For example, quitting alcohol or smoking.
Prevention of tuberculosis in children
Prevention of this disease in children has a specific focus. It is not only about preventing infection, but also about preventing the formation of a disease. The main methods of prevention in children are the use of BCG vaccines (Bacillus Calmette - Guerin) and chemical prevention.
The BCG vaccine is a weakened version of mycobacteria. They are characterized by the fact that they are sufficiently immunogenic, that is, they provoke various immune responses. However, in children with normal health, this does not imply infection. It is important to remember that there are absolute and relative contraindications to vaccination, therefore, before performing BCG, you should definitely discuss this issue with your pediatrician.
This vaccine is injected under the skin, thereby ensuring the maintenance and development of the local tuberculous process. It does not pose any danger to the general health of a person and even more so a child. As a result, the child's body is able to develop an artificial but stable immunity against mycobacterium.
Vaccination thus:
- helps to reduce the level of infection and morbidity among children;
- prevents the formation of not only acute, but also generalized forms of the disease.
Immunity, which was restored after BCG-type vaccination, lasts for at least five years. In order to maintain the obtained stable immunity, it is necessary to carry out repeated vaccinations, or revaccinations. They are carried out, at the moment, at the age of seven and 14 years. In some cases, re-vaccination may be undesirable, for example, in case of allergic reactions or acquired diseases.
As noted earlier, chemoprophylaxis is another method of preventing tuberculosis in children. It involves the use of specific anti-tuberculosis drugs. Chemical prophylaxis is prescribed for those healthy children who are at increased risk of developing tuberculosis.
Secondary chemoprophylaxis is necessary for those children who have already become infected. At the same time, they should respond positively to tuberculin, but they cannot show clinical and radiological manifestations of the disease.
The most effective is the use of secondary chemical prophylaxis with seasonal courses. For example, in the autumn-spring season, at least two months, twice a year. Seasonality, however, should not be taken into account in the implementation of the primary course of prevention, because it is prescribed as part of the first detection of epidemic danger.
In children and people under the age of 30, upon identification of primary infection, chemical prophylaxis is carried out once every three or more months (maximum six).
To exercise constant control over the state of immunity and identify the moment of onset of infection, children are given the Mantoux reaction every year. For adults, the presented test is carried out exclusively for special indications. The Mantoux test is based on the subcutaneous injection of small doses of tuberculin. After that, specialists must evaluate the allergic reaction that has occurred on the skin in the area of administration.
Prevention of tuberculosis in adults
The most effective prevention of the disease in adulthood should be considered annual observation at the dispensary and identification of tuberculosis at the primary stage of development. In order to detect the disease at an early stage, adults are recommended to carry out fluorographic examination at least once a year. However, the frequency of examinations should be in direct proportion to the profession, general health status (predisposition to illness) and entry into any of the possible risk groups.
Unfortunately, the vast majority of tuberculosis signs are nonspecific. However, if at least one of them persists for several weeks, you should consult a general practitioner as soon as possible. These are symptoms such as coughing or persistent urge to produce phlegm (in some cases with blood). There may also be a deterioration or complete lack of appetite, weight loss.
In the event that there is a suspicion of the course of tuberculosis, specialists should recommend performing fluorography, chest X-ray and analysis of the secreted sputum. In any of the suspicious cases, a person must be sent to a special dispensary, where additional diagnostics and treatment will be carried out.
A prerequisite for effective chemotherapy should be considered the simultaneous use of several drugs. This is called combination therapy. The bottom line is that the process of treatment with one drug, most often, is ineffective.
This is largely due to the rapid formation of resistance of the tuberculosis virus to the drug used. So, within the framework of the use of one drug, for example, "Streptomycin" or "Rifampicin", the degree of resistance to them develops in one or two months.
After no more than six months, experts record a similar reaction in 90% of patients. Equally important are factors such as:
- continuous use of drugs, which guarantees a targeted effect on the infection;
- the duration of the course of chemical therapy, which is determined by a specialist in each case individually.
Particular attention should be paid to the prevention of the place (apartment or house) in which the person who faced tuberculosis lived and the nonspecific principles of therapy.
Non-specific methods of prevention
Similar preventive measures include such measures that increase the body's defenses. We are talking about a rational mode of work and rest, a correct and complete diet, an absolute cessation of smoking and the use of alcohol in any quantities. No less desirable non-specific methods should be considered hardening and physical education. However, their implementation is advisable only after the medical treatment course.
Also, one should not neglect those activities that heal the living and working environment. For example, experts recommend reducing crowding and dustiness in rooms, and improving ventilation.
Prevention of the site of infection
In the centers of development of the disease, doctors provide for the mandatory implementation of not only current, but also final disinfection. In the latter case, this should occur after the isolation of the patient. Additional measures within the framework of the medical service are no less important if children live in the place of infection or if the tuberculosis patient has had many contacts. People around you should understand that it is extremely important to hospitalize a bacteria-releasing person. This is extremely important for the implementation of a 100% course of prevention until the moment when they stop shedding harmful bacteria.
In the room, disinfection methods should be carried out, such as:
- sterilization of sputum and special spittoons, dishes, food debris to minimize infection;
- selection, laying in containers and preservation until the beginning of disinfection of all the patient's linen;
- wet cleaning of the premises, which should be carried out every day. It should be carried out where the patient is or was, and it is also important to pay attention to the furniture and all household items with which this person comes into contact.
The disinfection procedure is most appropriate to carry out not only by physical, but also by chemical methods, as well as their combinations. In this case, there is no doubt about the purity of the place that became the focus of infection.
Thus, despite the fact that tuberculosis is a dangerous disease that can lead to death of a person, its prevention is more than possible. In order to prevent its appearance, you need to monitor your health, undergo all recommended examinations and just lead a healthy lifestyle.
The author of the article: Makarova Evgenia Vladimirovna, pulmonologist
