TB is an abbreviation of tuberculosis, sometimes referred to as TB disease. TB is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys or bones. Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the name of the microorganism that causes tuberculosis. Although the symptoms of tuberculosis may vary, they often include a chronic cough, fever, fatigue, weight loss, and sometimes bloody phlegm. TB is a dangerous disease which if not treated can be fatal.
Since 2015, Indonesia has experienced a sharp increase in the number of TB cases detected. This is due to the Ministry of Health using more sophisticated instruments to identify tuberculosis. However, a lack of knowledge about this disease also contributes to the high number of tuberculosis infections in Indonesia. Even though the exact facts surrounding TB are still unknown, there are still many myths circulating.
This myth is what makes people hesitate to get tested for TB from the start. Moreover, many of them are mystical and not medically proven. As a result, many receive treatment late. If the myth about TB is a common misconception, then what are the real facts?
TB Myths and Facts
- TB is a Genetic Disease
This is a myth . Many still believe that tuberculosis is a hereditary disease. TB transmission is caused by infection with the Mycobacterium Tuberculosis bacteria, although it is often transmitted among family members. The splashes of saliva released when someone coughs, sneezes, or even just talks may transmit the bacteria. After that, another person inhales the released saliva. The high level of interaction within the family is the reason this disease is often transmitted through the family. This shows that it is not impossible for someone without a family history of TB to get this disease. - TB infection only attacks the lungs
This is also a myth . This can reduce awareness of the development of the disease in sufferers. TB bacteria will remain in the lungs after entering the body. However, this does not mean that these bacteria only attack these body organs. In fact, attacks on the lungs are only the beginning of TB disease. After that, bacteria will grow there and start destroying other cells. Before infecting other body organs, the germs will move through the bloodstream to other areas of the body. There are different types of TB, including intestinal TB, lymph node TB, and bone TB. In addition, the heart, nervous system and other organs may be affected by tuberculosis. - Sharing Food with TB Sufferers Can Transmit the Disease
This is a fact . As previously mentioned as an infectious disease, tuberculosis can spread through droplets or saliva. Therefore, to stop the spread of the disease, TB patients should not use the same eating and drinking utensils as healthy people. - TB disease cannot be cured
This is a myth . Many people are still unsure about the possibility of recovering from TB. The reason is that many people believe that there is no way to cure this disease. In fact, 99% of TB sufferers can recover with routine TB treatment within a period of 6 to 9 months, even though TB is a chronic disease that takes time to heal. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis infection will only weaken for a moment if therapy is not followed consistently, and the bacteria can reactivate until they become resistant to anti-tuberculosis drugs. This condition is also known as multidrug-resistant tuberculosis or MDR-TB. - People infected with TB are definitely sick
That's just a myth . In fact, the majority of people have been exposed to TB bacteria at least once in their lifetime. However, only 10% of those infected with TB bacteria will develop TB disease. Latent TB is a term used to describe the condition when germs enter the body but are not active. This indicates the absence of symptoms. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis are less likely to cause disease in people with stronger immune systems.
In dealing with TB disease, understanding the true facts is the key to prevention, early detection and effective treatment. By dispelling myths and spreading accurate information, we can increase public awareness and ensure that every individual has adequate access to necessary care. Hopefully, with joint efforts, we can overcome the challenges faced by this serious disease and create a healthier society.
Article written by dr. Rudy Kurniawan Putra, Sp.P (Lung and Respiratory Specialist Doctor at EMC Cikarang Hospital).