Tuberculosis is a disease is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a communicable disease that affects the lungs and is commonly already by air, such as when a person with the disease sneezes or coughs. In extreme cases where proper care and treatment are not taken, the disease can be fatal.
Although tuberculosis is not as rampant as it used to be some decades ago, the disease has not been fully eradicated, meaning that people still have to be careful not to come in contact with someone with the disease.
Treating tuberculosis can take between 6-12 months in most cases. During that period, one would not feel comfortable as tuberculosis is a very invasive illness.
To help yourself feel better, here are some health tips for tuberculosis patients you can take note of.
5 Health Tips For Tuberculosis Patients
If you have tuberculosis, you need to follow certain medical precautions or sustain some habits and lifestyle changes to manage your condition appropriately. Here are five important health tips for tuberculosis patients.
1. Always take your medications
Tuberculosis can be treated by taking certain drugs that are effective against the diseases.
Your best shot at recovering from this disease is by taking your medications as prescribed. Not everyone is a fan of drugs, and the medications you might get may not be pleasant. What’s more, these medications could have side effects like nausea, appetite loss, abdominal cramping, and so on.
But you should not stop taking your medications. If the side effects are so serious, you can talk to your doctor about it for a remedy. Do not also quit taking your medications even when you begin to feel better. Only a doctor can tell you when you should stop taking them.
2. Eat healthier foods
As much as you need medications to treat the disease, you also need the right nutrients to help your body recover faster. This is why you need to eat foods that are rich in a take of nutrients. Vegetables, fruit, and whole grains should be part of your daily diet. Eat foods that are rich in antioxidants, as this would help to strengthen your immune system.
Do not eat foods that are high in fats or cholesterol, like red meat. For your protein, you can get that from leaner sources like beans, fish, and chicken.
3. Avoid alcohol and tobacco
When dealing with tuberculosis, you have to make some lifestyle changes that would help you recover faster. One of such is avoiding alcohol. This is because of what alcohol does to the liver. Coupled with some of the medications you take, you can increase the risk of liver damage if you continue consuming alcohol. Alcohol should be avoided to ensure a smooth recovery.
Another thing you have to cut back on is tobacco. This is majorly found in cigarettes, but if there are any other means by which you consume tobacco, you should avoid that. Just like tobacco, you should also avoid taking coffee and other drinks that contain caffeine.
4. Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze
To protect the people around you, ensure that you cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. It is best you use a tissue or disposable handkerchief to cover your mouth. When done, make sure you dispose of the tissue properly.
After coughing or sneezing, make it a point to properly wash your hand clean with soap. This would get rid of any germs on your hands.
5. Leave your windows open
One thing a person with tuberculosis needs is fresh air. This is why you should ensure that the windows in your room are open. You can also put on the fan to keep the air in the room fresh. Avoid staying in places that are stale or choked up.
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Collins Nwokolo is a human physiologist, writer and health enthusiast. He loves writing helpful articles on health and fitness, which he enjoys sharing with everyone.
