What Your Lungs Wish You Knew About TB(Tuberculosis):

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TUBERCULOSIS

TB namely Tuberculosis is bacterial infection which is caused by bacteria named Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These bacteria target the lungs mainly and may also travel the whole body if left untreated. It can affect the kidneys, spines as well as brain. It spreads through the person suffering from coughs, sneezes or even brain by air. However not every single person caught with TB gets sick’s, the bacteria stay in the body and do not cause any issues.

In other case when one suffers from TB has symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, cough. This happens when things get serious for you and even all others besides you.

Now let’s see how you can save your lungs from getting TB.

Dear Smokers, It’s Time to Talk

Smoking may look good with style however its not good when it come to lungs and chest. It turns your lungs into a burnt-out battlefield and this what the tuberculosis loves about. Smoking damages the cilia (little hairlike structure in your airways) which helps the dirt and germs to sweep out. Without cilia we cannot defend ourselves. Smokers are more susceptible to to the TB than the nonsmokers.

 In case if you are already dealing with TB and still smoking then your lungs are already trying to fight the infection and coping with daily smoke attacks. It is the same way that you are trying to clean an area while its mud overall every now and then. Healing in this case worsens and complications increase.

 If you quit smoke even after long journey of smoking also gives a second chance for the lungs. Within few months you start healing and breathe easier, the risk of TB lowers and immunity improves, and you save your life possibly.

TB and COVID-19: The Unwanted Duo

TB already has huge impact on lungs and now the Covid 19 is another infection which crash into lungs. Imagine this duo crashing together at once. This is one of the nightmare combos and no body will want this together and, but it is more common than anyone can assume.

They both target lungs in two different ways. COVID keeps increasing and gets over while TB enters slowly and stays around. When they interact together the damage is high and recovery gets toughest, the immune system gets infected widely and damage in doubled. People suffering with Tb in this case experience severe COVID outcomes and other effects.

The worst part is TB just does not break due to the new virus however its playing game being silent killer and due to COVID the diagnosis and treatment is disrupted worldwide. The people are getting diagnosed later and treated lately.

 However proper Vaccination, taking care by using mask in crowded areas, keeping distance from others when ones sick and taking medications required for treating TB if diagnosed helps. All these precautions will help your lungs from being getting infected.

City Air Isn’t Cute: Pollution & TB Risk

Air pollution in on high rise now a days. Its not visible though however it is getting into your body specially where tuberculosis is very common. Tiny particles get stuck into lungs where air is polluted and irritate the tissues. This makes them inflamed and vulnerable to infection. It is the same way you scratch an open wound again and again. The bacterium of Tb loves to grow in inflamed lungs.

According to the research there is a very strong bond between TB and high air pollution. If you live in industrial zones, traffic areas, areas with poor air quality increases the risk of TB even though you are young and healthy. With this if you have TB already then, the symptoms will get worse and recover slower.

 So, what is the solution for this? If you are in city, we suggest you take a walk in garden or green areas where you can find clear air. You can even use indoor air purifier and use a high-quality mask when the air quality turns poor. Lean for cleaner city policies as you deserve to live in a breathable environment not the gambled one.

How Stress Sneaks into Your Lungs

You won’t believe but stress not only mess with your mind but also your lungs. The chronic stress controls your immune system and makes it easier to make way for tuberculosis to slip without notice.

Stress is that invisible weight sitting on your chest which makes you breathe heavier. When your stress hormone- cortisol is high for a long time it will produce few disease fighting cells. This makes body to more catch infection and less likely to fight them. Stress directly does not cause TB however it breaks the immune system and makes a stage to enter the body. People live with high stress surroundings, they keep thinking of housing, financial instability, social isolation and much more and these people are more prone in developing TB.

Sleep well and on time, do physical activity and talk to someone who you adore to keep your mind active and calm, take break breathe.  Do meditation, yoga, laughter activity to strengthen your immune system. You will not only feel good but also you will be able to keep yourself from inner calm.

Your Diet is Your Defense

Diet is one of the most important elements which is needed to keep your lungs healthy. Lungs do need nutrients and not fast foods. A proper healthy diet helps to power your immune system. A healthy diet is a first line of defense against tuberculosis.

Lack of nutrient rich food is a top risk for developing TB. Malnourished bodies cannot fight against bacteria causing TB and healing will take much longer timer. You need protein to repair the lung tissue and antioxidants to reduce inflammation and vitamins to add boost white blood cells.

 Vitamin D is most important factor needed for better immune to lower the levels linked to TB risk. You can get Vitamin D naturally from sunlight, eggs and more. Vitamin C is another needed supplement from citrus fruits and zinc from seeds and nuts, iron from leafy vegetables and legumes. Water is also needed for hydration to keep mucus thin and lungs clean. Nutrition is non-negotiable if you are already treating TB. Consult your doctor or a dietician for the proper nutrient intake to heal TB. There is no need to have fancy foods, just concentrate on whole, unprocessed meals that will support your body for long.

Sleep Like You Mean It: Rest and Recovery

Lungs cannot perform their action properly when you keep working continuously and sleep for limited hours. Your body needs to heal, and the sleep is only way to rest your body. Poor sleep weakens the body immune system, and it increases inflammation. This makes easier for TB to enter the body and other respiratory infections. People who do not sleep on time and get less sleep face more chronic illness which includes lungs diseases.

While your TB treatment is ongoing sleep is not optional. It works as medicine. The body in this state uses downtime to produce antibodies, restore strength and repair tissues. Missing sleep is like skipping doses of an invisible medicine that your lungs need to be better.

 You need to plan the sleep ritual, keep your room cool and dark, turn of electronic devices and stick to perfect bedtime. Do not do heavy meals late night and do calm activities such as listening to music (soft) or try journaling. Sleeping helps to improve lungs activities and when you wake up you have more energy to work the whole day.

 Final Thoughts: Listen to Your Lungs Before They Scream

Tuberculosis is not the disease from the past, its still ongoing and spreading however preventable with proper precautions. Your lungs are your lifeline, and you should give attention to them and protect them from such severe issues. Adopt healthy lifestyle and healthy habits to protect the lungs.

It is necessary to quit smoking and manage stress to eat right and sleep well. Your everyday choices add up and your lungs notice all. So, the next time to take dee breathe keep in mind what’s working behind. Show some love to your lungs and breathe easy.

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