Pneumonia & Tuberculosis

Pneumonia is a lung infection that causes coughing, fever, and difficulty breathing. It can be caused by bacteria, viruses, or other germs. Symptoms include coughing up mucus, fever, chest pain, rapid heartbeat, and shaking chills. Medical professionals will likely conduct an examination and chest X-ray to diagnose the condition. Additional tests such as blood tests or lab tests on mucus samples may be required. More recently, rapid on-site sputum or nasal swab analysis have become available. Treatment for community-acquired pneumonia involves antibiotics to eliminate the infection-causing germs. While most can take antibiotic pills at home, some may need hospitalization for intravenous antibiotics and supplemental oxygen. To prevent future occurrences, frequent handwashing, vaccination (e.g., yearly flu vaccine and possibly pneumococcal vaccine), and quitting smoking are recommended.

Tuberculosis (TB), on the other hand, is a lung infection that can spread through tiny droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss. Tests are available to detect TB infection, such as the skin test and blood test. Completing the prescribed treatment is crucial to avoid drug-resistant strains and ensure recovery. Given the severity of TB, it is essential to take the treatment process seriously and follow medical advice diligently.