Ministry of Health prof. Aygün Rahimova, doctor-physician of Gindes Republic Tuberculosis Sanatorium for Children and Adolescents: A healthy lifestyle and a visit to the doctor at initial symptoms can protect against the disease

- Ms. Aygun, first of all, we would like to know what is tuberculosis and how to get infected with this disease?

- Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease that is widespread in the world and is transmitted to humans through airborne droplets. Tuberculosis is caused by the acid-resistant tuberculosis microbacterium that enters the body. According to their biological pathogenic characteristics, tuberculosis mycobacteria are divided into human, cattle, bird and rodent groups. In 92 percent of cases, the disease in humans is caused by the human factor. The role of infected people in the spread of the disease is great. Tuberculosis mycobacterium entering the human body does not cause disease due to the body's strong immunity.

- Doctor, in which organs does tuberculosis occur more often?

- Lungs are the most damaged organ, since 90-95 percent of people are infected with tuberculosis through the respiratory tract (air-droplet, air-dust). However, mycobacterium tuberculosis is likely to cause disease in all organs and tissues. For example, in bones and joints, meninges and central nervous system, urinary organs, intestines, spleen, eyes, etc.

- What clinical signs are observed when infected with tuberculosis?

- Symptoms of intoxication, weakness, increased sweating at night, decrease in body weight, temperature of 37.2-37.6 ̊C, long-term cough, rapid fatigue, nervousness, and loss of appetite are observed during tuberculosis disease.

- How widespread is tuberculosis among children and adolescents?

- Children are more likely to get sick in the first years of life and at the age of 13-16. Tuberculin diagnostics (diagnostic test to determine the specific sensitivity of the body to mycobacterium tuberculosis) is used to detect early and local forms of tuberculosis among children and adolescents. Tuberculodiagnosis is performed once a year starting from 12 months of age.

- What should be the daily regimen and nutrition of tuberculosis patients?

- Depending on the clinical form, extent and severity of tuberculosis, patients need different treatment regimens. During the acute period of the disease, the patient should follow the bed regime. After the acute symptoms have passed, he can go for a walk for 15-30 minutes during the day. If the patient follows the prescribed regimen correctly, his condition will improve significantly.
Proteins are of particular importance in the diet for tuberculosis patients. The best quality proteins are found in beef, sheep, chicken, liver, fish, milk, cottage cheese, eggs, peas, beans and buckwheat. Vegetables help meet the need for carbohydrates.
Apart from proteins, carbohydrates and fats, the body also needs vitamins. Vitamins are found in many foods. For example, you can adjust the vitamin balance through egg yolks, carrots, apricots, tomatoes, spinach, peas, lemons, tangerines, and walnuts.

- Is it possible to fully recover from tuberculosis?

- Tuberculosis is treated in a complex manner. An individual treatment plan is drawn up for each patient. Patients who follow the treatment and diet are cured of this disease.

- Doctor, what should be done to prevent tuberculosis?

- Tuberculosis can occur when the body's defense ability is weak. Factors that weaken the body include flu, measles, pneumonia, diabetes, stomach and duodenal ulcers, bad habits (smoking, drug addiction). A healthy lifestyle, staying away from harmful habits and consulting a doctor at the first symptoms can protect against the disease.