Tuberculosis is still an illness that affects millions around the world and is considered a pandemic in some parts of the world. Tuberculosis kills a person every 25 seconds. The disease is not very widespread in the United States, but in Africa, it is still considered a widespread disease. Do you wonder if you can get the disease or what the symptoms are?
Tuberculosis has been a feared disease throughout history reaching epidemic proportions in Europe and America during the 18th and 19th centuries. At the height of the epidemic in 1866, tuberculosis earned the nickname, "Captain Among these Men of Death."
With the discovery of the bacterium that causes tuberculosis, Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M.tb) in 1882 and new antibiotics, tuberculosis started to decline shortly after World War II. The disease is still a major health concern today.
How a Person Gets Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease, which means a person can get it from someone already infected with TB. When an infected person sneezes or coughs, M.tb bacteria are released into the air. Tuberculosis is not overly infectious and getting infected usually means close, frequent or prolonged contact with someone that has tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis Symptoms
Tuberculosis initially affects the lungs and is called pulmonary tuberculosis, but if not treated, TB can spread to other parts of the body. Sometimes a person can have latent tuberculosis, which means a person has the TB bacteria, but not the TB disease and cannot spread tuberculosis to others. Active tuberculosis has the following symptoms:
- Coughing that lasts more than three weeks
- Fatigue
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Chest pain when coughing or breathing
- Coughing up blood or mucus
If you have been exposed to tuberculosis and are concerned, get the TB skin test or blood test to make sure.
Myths and Interesting Facts about Tuberculosis
- A common myth is that tuberculosis is hereditary, which is not true since anyone can catch the disease.
- Another myth is that TB causes lung cancer. It does not, but since it does damage the lungs, it can increase the risk for lung cancer.
- Tuberculosis has been traced as far back as 5000 B.C. Egypt. According to the World Health Organization, 80% of tuberculosis cases were in 22 countries, mainly in Africa.
- One-third of the world's population is infected with the TB bacteria, but only a small proportion will actually become sick with tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis and Umcka
There have been studies that have found that certain vitamins and minerals can help with the symptoms of tuberculosis. Cochrane researchers conducted a review of the effects of supplements for people that were being treated for tuberculosis. These supplements include vitamin A, vitamin D, vitamin E and the minerals selenium and zinc. [1]
Other reports from the early 20th century found that Pelargonium sidoides was successfully used to treat tuberculosis. This treatment was made from the root (Umckaloabo) and was successfully used in Europe for the treatment of tuberculosis. [2]
Today, Umckaloabo was developed into a safe herbal pharmaceutical for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, specifically acute bronchitis in children. It has also been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties in numerous studies. It can relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and flu. Today it is sold over-the-counter asUmcka by Nature’s Way.
Today, Umckaloabo was developed into a safe herbal pharmaceutical for the treatment of upper respiratory tract infections, specifically acute bronchitis in children. It has also been shown to have antibacterial, antiviral, and immunomodulatory properties in numerous studies. It can relieve symptoms and shorten the duration of colds and flu. Today it is sold over-the-counter asUmcka by Nature’s Way.
Tuberculosis and NAC
There have been studies that have found N-acetyl-cysteine(NAC) might be effective against tuberculosis. The conclusion of a 2016 study found, "NAC exhibits potent anti-mycobacterial effects and may limit M. tuberculosis infection and disease both through suppression of the host oxidative response and through direct antimicrobial activity." [3]
Tuberculosis Today
According to the TB Alliance, tuberculosis is a global pandemic killing someone every 25 seconds. The current worry is multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB). In the United States, the news is better. The CDC reports that the number of TB deaths in the U.S. has dropped to its lowest levels since records began in 1953 with 9,945.
Note: Always check with your doctor before taking any supplements. Supplements taken with medications can be dangerous.
About the Author
Sam Montana is a certified Food Over Medicine instructor from the Wellness Forum Health Center and certified in optimal nutrition from the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health.
Copyright © 2014-2019 Sam Montana
Resources:
[2] Umckaloabo: From a Patent Remedy to a Modern Herbal Pharmaceutical based on Pelargonium sidoides with Clinically Proven Efficacy
[3] National Institute of Health - N-acetyl-cysteine exhibits potent anti-mycobacterial activity in addition to its known anti-oxidative functions
