Unending cough could be a sign of TB

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This bacteria contaminates and spreads through the air. So when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings, those without are likely to get infected also.

Children are at high risk of developing active tuberculosis because of a poorly developed immune system. When a child develops active tuberculosis disease, there is a family member or close contact with TB. As they say: "TB in a child means TB in an adult."

Over 500 children get sick with TB each year. The most common symptom is prolonged coughing, often not responding to common antibiotic treatment. The child may also have weight loss, failure to thrive, vomiting, refusal to feed and drenching night sweats. A child more likely to get TB would be one who has a household member or close contact with infectious TB and below five years.  If a child has HIV, he is predisposed to TB which can lead to deafness, blindness, paralysis and mental retardation. HIV infection is common in children with TB, and so is TB among children with HIV.

TB can be cured. Treatment outcomes in children are generally good, provided it starts promptly. However, the response is poorer in children living with HIV. Early diagnosis and successful treatment of an infected adult is the best way to protect children from contracting TB. Infants get the BCG vaccine immediately after birth to prevent severe forms of the disease.

Photo: livingwellblack.org