BAGUIO CITY (PIA) — As the country observes National Lung Month this August, the Department of Health-Cordillera Administrative Region (DOH-CAR) reminded the public that tuberculosis (TB) remains a major public health concern, even though it is preventable and curable.
During the Kapihan sa Baguio forum, DOH-CAR Nurse V Geeny Anne Austria said TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and usually affects the lungs, although it may also spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, bones, and abdomen.
TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. Crowded areas and poor ventilation can increase the risk of transmission.
She said common symptoms include a cough lasting more than two weeks, unexplained fever, weight loss, loss of appetite, night sweats, and persistent fatigue.
Austria also urged the public not to wait for severe symptoms before seeking medical attention. She said coughing up blood is not always present in TB patients.
TB services are available in health facilities across the region where patients may consult, undergo testing, and receive treatment and support services, she reported.
Treatment usually lasts for six months and must be completed consistently to prevent drug-resistant TB, which is harder and costlier to treat.
She also explained that people exposed to TB patients, senior citizens, persons living with HIV, persons with diabetes, smokers, and other immunocompromised individuals may also benefit from tuberculosis preventive treatment to help stop latent infection from progressing into active disease.
The DOH continues to remind the public to practice good lung health, seek early consultation, and complete treatment to help curb the spread of TB. **JDP/MAWC-PIA-CAR
