Tuberculosis

This disease is a chronic, destructive inflammation, and is one of the most widespread of all diseases. It is particularly prevalent among people who live under crowded conditions.

It is seen frequently in all ages, sexes, and all economic groups. The lesions may be small self-limited and the presence of the infection may only be demonstrable by means of laboratory tests.

Tuberculosis used to head the list of killing diseases, but now the disease is steadily becoming less common as well as less dangerous. The reduction in the tuberculosis rate is due to the following factors: (1) improved social living conditions with better nutrition, fresh air, and sunlight; (2) education in hygiene; (3) segregation of the sick in sanatoriums and destruction of tuberculous sputum; (4) earlier seeking of medical advice; (5) improved methods of treatment; (6) vaccination of high risk population.

In the case of tuberculosis, infection may occur in a number of ways.

1. By inhalation. The most likely source of infection from man is the sputum of the patient with active tuberculosis of the lungs. The bacilli may be inhaled from the sputum that has dried.

2. By swallowing, children may readily acquire tuberculosis by drinking infected cow's milk.

3. Through the skin. The infection may spread in 3 ways: (1) Through the tissues, (2) by the lymph, (3) by the blood stream.

Tuberculosis is a chronic inflammation. Any organ of the body may be involved, by tuberculosis. It is exceptional, however, for more than one or two organs to be attacked at the same time, except in military tuberculosis.

The lungs and pleura are most frequently attacked, and pulmonary disease accounts for 85% to 90% of all deaths from tuberculosis. Lymph nodes come next, most often those in the hilum of the lung, less frequently the abdominal nodes. Tuberculosis of the larynx is a serious form, secondary to pulmonary tuberculosis.

Which statements are true?

1. Tuberculosis is a chronic destructive inflammation and is one of the most widespread of all diseases.

2. It occurs rarely among people who live under crowded conditions.

3. Tuberculosis is more common in young men than in women.

4. The disease is characteristic for the developed countries.

5. The infection enters the body through the skin by inhalation, by swallowing.

6. Not all organs are affected by tuberculosis.

7. The lungs and pleura are the most frequently attacked.

How to prevent tuberculosis?

Ex.14. Scan the medical annotation and give recommendations to «Foradil» use.

Foradil ®
Form of packing:	12 mcg capsule containing inhalation powder
Availability:	Prescription only

Properties: Foradil is a long-acting bronchodilator. It keeps the airways open, makes the breathing easier and may reduce asthma symptoms (shortness of breath, wheezing, chest tightness, and cough).

Indication: Foradil Aerolizer is used in adults and children 5 years of age and older in case of asthma and chronic pulmonary diseases, which include chronic bronchitis, emphysema, and other lung diseases.

Contraindications:

• pregnancy;

• breastfeeding a baby;

• allergic to formoterol or any other inhaled bronchodilator.

Special Indications with Foradil:

• Do not swallow the capsules. Powder in the capsules is inhaled.

• Use the Foradil Aerolizer regularly. Do not stop treatment even if you are feeling good.

Interaction with other drugs.

• Use other inhaled medicines only as directed by your physician.

Side effects:

• paradoxical bronchospasm;

• tremor;

• fast and irregular heart beat;

• headache;

• muscle cramps and pain;

• dizziness;

• nervousness;

• sleeplessness;

• dryness of the mouth or throat.

Ways of keeping: keep drug in a cool place, in a dark place, out of reach of children.

Foradil must not be used after the expiry date, started on the pack.