Tuberculosis (TB): A Disease to Be Aware of

Introduction

In Indonesia, tuberculosis (TB) is still a significant health problem. According to data from the Indonesian Ministry of Health, in 2023, Indonesia will record around 845,000 new TB cases, an increase from 824,000 cases in the previous year. This increasing trend has been seen since the last few years, indicating the need for more intensive efforts in treating and preventing TB in Indonesia.

Causes and Symptoms of TB

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB generally attacks the lungs, but can also affect other organs such as the kidneys, spine and brain. This disease spreads through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, so the bacteria can be inhaled by other people.

TB symptoms include:

• Cough that lasts more than three weeks
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or phlegm mixed with blood
• Significant weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Fatigue

Some TB prevention steps include:

• BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) vaccination: This vaccine is given to children in countries with high TB ​​rates and may provide partial protection against TB.
• Avoid close contact with people with active TB: Especially in closed and poorly ventilated environments.
• Increase room ventilation: Fresh air can help reduce the concentration of TB bacteria in the air.
• Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment Flow

TB treatment follows several important stages that must be followed with discipline to ensure healing and prevent drug resistance.

Diagnosis

• Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux Test): Tuberculin injection under the skin to see a reaction.
• Blood Test: Measures the immune response to TB bacteria.
• Chest X-ray: Checks for damage to the lungs.
• Sputum Examination: Finding TB bacteria through a microscope or culture.

• Intensive Phase Treatment (2 Months)
  • Medicines: A combination of four main antibiotics, namely Isoniazid (INH), Rifampicin (RIF), Ethambutol (EMB), and Pyrazinamide (PZA).
  • Goal: Reduce the number of bacteria quickly and prevent spread.

• Advanced Phase Treatment (4-7 Months)
  • Medications: Isoniazid (INH) and Rifampicin (RIF) were continued.
  • Goal: Ensure elimination of remaining bacteria to prevent recurrence.

• Adherence to Treatment
  • DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course): Direct supervision by health workers to ensure patients take medication regularly.
  • The Importance of Discipline: Complete all treatment according to schedule to prevent drug resistance.

• The impact
  The World Health Organization (WHO) estimates that around 10 million people are infected with TB every year, and 1.5 million of them die. Children and people with weak immune systems, such as people with HIV/AIDS, are especially vulnerable to TB.

Government Efforts to Overcome TB

Various international organizations, including WHO, are working with governments and local health organizations to reduce the burden of TB worldwide. The DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course) strategy is implemented to ensure patients take medication regularly through the supervision of health workers. These efforts include increasing access to diagnosis and treatment, educating the public about TB, as well as research to develop new, more effective vaccines and medicines.

Potential Role of Teleconsultation in TB Management

Teleconsultation can play an important role in TB management, especially in countries with limited access to health services. Teleconsultation allows TB patients to consult with doctors and health workers without having to visit a health facility, thereby reducing the risk of spreading infection and facilitating access to medical services.

Sample case:

In India, a teleconsultation project for TB patients in rural areas has shown positive results. Patients can conduct remote consultations with doctors, obtain drug prescriptions, and receive treatment monitoring via digital platforms. As a result, compliance with treatment increases and management of TB cases becomes more effective.

Conclusion

TB is a serious disease that requires global attention. Although the challenges in overcoming TB are great, through international cooperation, education, and better access to health services, we can reduce the impact of this disease and move towards a TB-free world. Teleconsultation is an innovative solution that can help in treating TB, providing wider access and better monitoring of patient treatment.

By knowing the symptoms, diagnosis, treatment and prevention steps for TB, we can play a role in fighting this disease and protecting public health. Stay alert and always consult medical personnel if you or someone around you experiences TB symptoms.

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Source:

• Instagram Reels Reports Healthy
• Indonesian Ministry of Health
• World Health Organization – Tuberculosis
• Centers for Disease Control and Prevention – TB Treatment
• Mayo Clinic – Tuberculosis