Gelisim News

Tuberculosis is the 13th leading cause of death worldwide

Tuberculosis (TB), still one of the most significant public health problems in the world, caused 1.6 million deaths in 2021. Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurten Elkin from Istanbul Gelisim University (IGU) Faculty of Health Sciences made a statement within the scope of "76th Tuberculosis Education and Awareness Week".

Tuberculosis, which is among the important public health problems that requires global struggle due to its incidence and effects, is an infectious disease that can affect all tissues and organs such as bones, skin and eyes, especially the lungs. Asst. Prof. Dr. Nurten Elkin, assistant professor from the Faculty of Health Sciences at Istanbul Gelisim University said, “It is estimated that approximately two billion people in the world are infected with TB bacillus. She also added that although this disease is mostly seen in the lungs, it is also very common in the pleura, lymph nodes, bones, kidneys and cerebral cortex.



What is Tuberculosis?

Conditions that reduce body resistance, diseases and factors that affect immunity play an essential role in the emergence of TB. Symptoms of tuberculosis are fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, inability to gain weight in children, fever and night sweats. Tuberculosis should be suspected in the presence of a cough that lasts longer than two to three weeks and does not respond despite receiving antibiotic treatment. Asst. Prof. Dr. Elkin said, “The definitive diagnosis of the disease is made by seeing the tuberculosis bacillus in the sputum. This disease, which also causes diseases that affect immunity, can also occur in cases where immunity is low. The coexistence of HIV/AIDS and tuberculosis is common, as HIV/AIDS is one of the diseases that reduce body resistance the most. Diabetes Mellitus, chronic kidney failure, some cancers, drug and alcohol addiction, cigarette use can also lead to the emergence of Tuberculosis by lowering body resistance. ”

“Regular use of medicines for the treatment of tuberculosis is very significant”

Tuberculosis treatment in our country is carried out in all health institutions in accordance with the standards determined by the "Diagnostic and Treatment Guide" published by the Ministry of Health. The treatment of new TB patients takes 6 months. Dr. Elkin underlined that the regular use of medicines is very important for the success of the treatment. Tuberculosis bacillus can become resistant to drugs if the drugs used in the treatment are taken incompletely or used irregularly. Babies who have completed their second month after birth can be protected from TB with the BCG (Bacille Calmette Guerin) vaccine administered free of charge in Family Health Centers or Tuberculosis Dispensaries.