Health Problems of the Elderly

Tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by the tubercle bacilli, commonly affecting the lungs. Tuberculosis is an airborne disease. When a patient with active disease coughs or sneezes without covering up the mouth, the bacteria will be spread into air through the aerosol. In Hong Kong, tuberculosis is most common among people past the middle age.

Symptoms

• Persistent cough
• Blood in phlegm
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Low-grade afternoon fever
• Fatigue or malaise

Prevention and treatment

1. Healthy life-style like balanced diet, regular exercise, adequate sleep and no smoking all help to strengthen and maintain the immunity of the body. Always ensure good indoor ventilation and keep the environment clean.

2. Infants should receive anti-tuberculosis vaccination (BCG vaccination) to reduce the chance of infection with tuberculosis.

3. Do not spit.

4. If there is suspicion of tuberculosis, seek medical advice or attend any chest clinic as soon as possible.

5. Patients with tuberculosis should receive and comply with the treatment. In general, the patient would no longer spread germs after taking drugs for two weeks.

6. Family members who live with the patient should have assessment to check if they may have contracted tuberculosis. The Tuberculosis and Chest Clinic in the Department of Health provides free service including chest X-ray.

7. Treatment period depends on the severity of the disease. Most patients only require 6 months of treatment. Full completion of treatment reduces the recurrence rate to only 1%.

Related topics

Healthy Eating - Food Pyramid

Smoking