TB is in the air, watch out! – Doctor warns

Any persistent cough lasting more than two weeks should raise suspicion of tuberculosis (TB), a physician specialist at the Greater Accra Regional Hospital (Ridge), Dr Woedem Tettey, has cautioned.

She said individuals who also experience unexplained weight loss, recurrent night sweats and difficulty in breathing should promptly seek medical attention and test for TB.

Dr Tettey gave the advice in an interview with The Spectator at a TB capacity-building workshop for journalists in Accra last Thursday.

Although TB is curable, she noted that delayed diagnosis could lead to serious health complications.

“The earlier the disease is detected, the better the outcome,” she said, explaining that prolonged untreated infection allows the bacteria to cause extensive damage to the lungs and other organs.

Dr Tettey said the lungs were the most affected by TB but the disease could also damage other parts of the body, including the spine, lymph nodes, kidneys and the brain.

“So if someone has been coughing for two weeks and is diagnosed early, that person stands a better chance of avoiding complications than someone who has been coughing for a whole year before it is picked up,” she explained.

She emphasised that early diagnosis, adherence to treatment and completion of medication greatly improved survival and recovery.

Dr Tettey also cautioned the public against stigmatising or discriminating against people diagnosed with TB, stressing that the disease was both preventable and curable.

“TB is in the air, so we are all at risk. That is why it is a public health issue. But with appropriate treatment and strict compliance with medication, a person can be cured and live a normal life,” she said.

Tuberculosis is a contagious airborne disease caused mainly by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and primarily affects the lungs. It spreads when people with active TB cough, sneeze or spit, releasing the bacteria into the air.

Health experts advise the public to practise proper cough etiquette, including covering the mouth and nose when coughing, and to seek medical care early when symptoms persist.

By Abigail Annoh

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