Causes

It is mainly caused by infection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. Lungs are affected by this disease after two to eight weeks. White blood cells start to surround and wall off the disease in lungs. One can not spread the disease to others, if they have not the symptoms such as fever.

Risk factors

Weak immune system: Babies, who have weak immune system, at higher risk of getting the disease.

Nationality: Babies from regions such as Asia, Africa and America are more likely to associate tuberculosis.

Malnutrition: Babies, who not take proper diet or have low calories at high risk of tuberculosis.

Lack of medical care: Children who are live in remote area and have a lack of medical care, at greater risk of tuberculosis.

Signs and symptoms

• Fever
• Excessive fatigue
• Chills
• Pleurisy
• Body weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Problems in breathing
• Poor feeding
• Swollen liver

Diagnosis

It is difficult to diagnose tuberculosis in babies than in adults. Various tests are performed by the health care provider to help the determine the cause of the disease. Tuberculin skin test will be recommended by the health care providers to test for tuberculosis in babies. In some cases, chest X-ray is preferred by the doctor to detect the tuberculosis disease. Babies, who have problems in immune system, are at high risk of getting this disease.

Treatment

The types of treatment depend on signs and symptoms of the disease. The treatment of tuberculosis for babies is similar to treatment for adults. Rifampin and isoniazid are very effective to reduce the symptoms of tuberculosis in babies and adolescents.

The treatment of tuberculosis must start in babies when the diagnosis is suspected. Most common drugs such as pyrazinamide, streptomycin, ethambutol are very effective to treat the tuberculosis. Consult the health care providers immediately, if babies may experience jaundice, blood in urine, vomiting, colorblindness and loss of appetite.

Prevention

• Parents should go for test the disease regularly.
• Use therapy which is suggested by the doctor to prevent the disease.
• Patient should finish the full course of medication.
• Avoid alcohol during treatment of the disease.

Source:tenderbabycare.com