Home Remedies For Tuberculosis (Complete Guide)

You must have heard of tuberculosis. It is a very common disease worldwide. 1.8 million people died due to tuberculosis in 2015. 10.4 million people were recorded positive for tuberculosis.

A tuberculosis epidemic spread in Europe and North America in 18th and 19th century. Robert Koch was the scientist who discovered the cause of tuberculosis in 1882. After Koch’s discovery, vaccines and drugs were developed to treat tuberculosis.

These drugs and vaccines succeeded in treating tuberculosis. It led to a belief that the disease was defeated. However, cases of tuberculosis began in the mid-1980s worldwide. It became a second killer infectious disease globally.

Tuberculosis can affect anyone, anywhere and anytime. However, young people living in developing countries are more vulnerable to tuberculosis as compared to the developed countries.  But, Tuberculosis is curable.

Basically, people with tuberculosis have to take antibiotics and medications. But, the treatment depends on various factors. People with latent TB can use home remedies to treat tuberculosis along with antibiotics. But people with active TB need to take multiple drugs.

In the following article, we would read about the disease in detail.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease. That means it can spread easily from an infected person to a healthy person. It is caused by a single pathogen and is a widely spread disease. It is considered second biggest killer disease worldwide.

It is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is an infection in your lungs caused by mycobacteria. It can easily spread through coughing, sneezing, or laughing. There are numerous ways through which it spreads from person to person.

Bovine tuberculosis is a similar disease to tuberculosis. It is caused by Mycobacterium bovis. Usually, it affects cattle but may affect humans rarely.

Tuberculosis Is Classified Into Two Types.

1. Latent TB

In this condition, your body harbors inactive bacteria. You have a TB infection but the bacteria remain inactive. That is why it causes no symptoms. It is also known as inactive TB or TB infection. However, this type of infection is not contagious. It is important to treat even latent TB. It is because it can develop into active TB if it is left untreated.

2. Active TB

In this condition, the bacteria are in an inactive phase. It makes you sick and can also spread to other people. You can easily observe its symptoms. This can occur after few weeks or even years of infection.

Facts On Tuberculosis

• The WHO estimated that 9 million people suffer from TB every year. It has also estimated that 3 million cases of tuberculosis are missed by our health systems.
• Tuberculosis has been ranked at the 3^rd position for the cause of death among women aged 15 to 45.
• Symptoms of tuberculosis can be mild for many months that make it difficult for the recognition of the disease. A person infected with tuberculosis can spread this infection to 10-15 other people. It spreads through close contact with a healthy person.
• The mycobacterium is an airborne pathogen that spreads through the air.

Causes Of Tuberculosis

The causative organism of tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads from an infected person to a healthy person. There are various ways through which this disease spreads.

Sometimes the droplets released by the infected person are inhaled by a healthy person through the air. Thus, it infects the other person through the air. It can happen when the infected person sneezes, coughs, spits or laughs.

Tuberculosis is a communicable disease but still, it is easy to catch. You are more likely to catch this disease if you live with an infected person. Following are the causes of tuberculosis:

1.HIV

HIV virus attacks your immune system. It weakens your immune system. Your body is no longer strong to fight the mild infections. Thus, when the bacteria of tuberculosis attack, your body cannot kick it off. People who are positive for HIV may get infected with tuberculosis. Their risk of developing infection increases due to a weak immune system.

2.Drug-resistant Bacteria

There is this reason that increases the spread of this disease. Antibiotics are the substances that fight the bacteria and germs. However, some TB germs have developed resistance to these antibiotics. That means they are not killed by those antibiotics. It is because they undergo some changes in their genetic material over a long period of time.

It produces strains of bacteria that can survive under the effect of those antibiotics. When an antibiotic fails to kill the target bacteria, drug-resistant strains emerge. The bacterium that survives under the effects of a particular antibiotic becomes resistant to it.

It transfers the same resistant genes to its offspring. Some bacteria have developed resistance to some common antibiotics like Isoniazid and rifampin.

Risk Factors

There are some factors that increase the risk of tuberculosis. These include:

1.Weak Immune System

When your immune system is healthy, it fights the mycobacteria. It works as a defense mechanism to such infections. However, it fails when it gets weakened. There are some conditions that may suppress your immune system such as:

• AIDS/HIV
• Diabetes
• Cancer
• Severe kidney disease
• Chemotherapy (cancer treatment)
• Drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, and Crohn’s disease
• Poor diet
• Young age

2.Travelling

When you travel to areas with higher rates of tuberculosis, it increases your risk of getting this infection. These areas have a high rate of drug-resistant tuberculosis. These areas include:

• Russia
• Asia
• Eastern Europe
• Africa
• Latin America
• Caribbean islands

 3. Poverty And Substance Abuse

Poverty is also a risk factor for tuberculosis. Poor people often live in unhygienic conditions. This increases their risk of getting this infection.

4. Lack Of Medical Care

Poor people don’t get the required treatment and diagnosis of tuberculosis. Lack of money is the major reason as to why people die with tuberculosis.

5. Substance Abuse

Alcohol abuse suppresses your immune system. IV drug use also makes you more vulnerable to tuberculosis.

6. Tobacco

Consuming tobacco in any form not only increases the risk for cancer, but also for tuberculosis.

7. Healthcare

If you are someone who works for health care, you may have the risk of getting tuberculosis. Too much exposure to people who are infected increases your chances of infection. You get more exposed to the TB bacteria and thus can get this infection easily. Proper prevention techniques must be followed.

8. Living In a Residential Care Facility

People working in nursing homes, immigration camps, and prisons are at higher risk of tuberculosis. It is because you are working in poor hygienic conditions without any precautions.

9. Living In a Refugee Camp

Refuges live in unsanitary and overcrowded conditions. Most of them are malnourished and don’t get a proper diet. It makes them vulnerable to tuberculosis.

Complications

Tuberculosis can be fatal if left untreated. it can spread to your other body parts through blood. Complications that can occur due to untreated tuberculosis are listed below:

1. Joint Damage

Tuberculosis arthritis affects your hips and knees.

2. Spinal Pain

Tuberculosis may also result in back pain and stiffness.

3. Liver And Kidney Problems

Tuberculosis also impairs your kidney and liver functioning. Your kidney excretes out the waste materials from your blood. Untreated tuberculosis may affect the functioning of kidney and liver.

4. Heart Disorders

Tuberculosis can also infect the tissues surrounding your heart. It may result in inflammation and fluid collections. It affects your heart and its functioning. Your heart is not able to pump blood effectively due to this infection. It is known as cardiac tamponade. This condition can be fatal if not diagnosed and treated.

5. Swelling Of Meningitis

Meningitis is a term given to the layers that surround your brain. Tuberculosis can also affect this part of your brain. It leads to a severe headache that lasts for weeks. You may even experience some mental changes due to this condition.

Symptoms Of Tuberculosis

Here are listed the symptoms of active TB:

• Coughing for three to more weeks
• Blood while coughing
• Chest pain
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sweating at night
• Chills
• Loss of appetite

How To Diagnose Tuberculosis?

The doctor will use a stethoscope to listen to the lungs. He will also check for swelling in the lymph nodes. Your doctor will also ask you about your medical history and symptoms. They will also assess your risk of exposure to tuberculosis.

A skin test is the most common test for tuberculosis. In this test, a small injection of PPD tuberculin is injected just below your inside forearm to collect the sample. The PPD tuberculin is an extract of the tuberculosis bacterium.

The injection site is then checked after 2-3 days. If a hard and red bump develops on the specific injected site, it is likely that you are infected with tuberculosis.

However, the skin test has been known to give incorrect readings. It is not the most accurate test for tuberculosis.

Fortunately, there are many other tests such as blood tests, chest X-rays, and sputum tests. Doctors use these tests to check the presence of mycobacteria along with a skin test.

It is a little bit difficult to diagnose tuberculosis in children.

Home Remedies For Tuberculosis

1. Garlic

Garlic is commonly used in cooking. You will find its recommendation in almost all home remedies. This indicates how much beneficial it is for our health. It is high in sulphuric acid that kills the pathogen causing TB. It is also rich in allicin and ajoene that inhibit the bacterial growth. However, it is the sulphuric acid present in garlic that makes it so effective. It also boosts your immune system that fights the infection. You can eat it raw or cooked.

Things You Need

• ½ teaspoon chopped garlic
• 1 cup of milk
• 4 cups of water

Method

• Mix the two ingredients in water and boil it.
• Let it boil until it is reduced to one-fourth of the volume.
• Drink this mixture daily for three times a day.

Alternative Method

Things You Need

• 10 drops of garlic juice
• 1 glass of hot milk

Method

• Add 10 drops of garlic juice to a glass of hot milk.
• Drink it before bedtime and do not drink water afterward.

Repeat this remedy once daily.

Another Method

• Boil 10 cloves of garlic in a cup of milk.
• Eat the boiled garlic cloves and drink the milk afterward.

Repeat this remedy every day once.

• You can also use capsules containing garlic extract to treat tuberculosis.

CAUTION

Avoid this herb if you have to undergo surgery in the coming days.

2. Bananas

Bananas are delicious fruits and are effective in treating tuberculosis. They are rich in nutrients and calcium. Bananas are high in vitamins and organic compounds. It helps in boosting your immune system and provides you with the required nutrients.

It can also reduce the symptoms of TB such as fever and cough. You should eat a raw banana daily. It also helps in loose stools.

Things You Need

• 1 ripe banana
• 1 cup of coconut water
• ½ cup of yogurt
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method

• Mix one ripe banana in a cup of coconut water.
• Add the other ingredients to it and mix them well.
• Consume this daily two times a day.

Alternatively

• You can make raw banana juice and have it daily once.
• You can also drink the juice of banana stem. It will alleviate the symptoms of tuberculosis such as a cough, phlegm and night sweating. Sip one to two cups of banana stem juice 2-3 times a day.

 3. Custard Apple

Custard apple has rejuvenating properties. It is one of the best effective remedies for tuberculosis. You can eat the pulp of custard apple. This is the best way to consume custard apple.

Things You Need

• 2 custard apples
• 25 seedless raisins
• 1 ½ cups of water
• 2 teaspoons powdered sugar
• ¼ teaspoon cinnamon
• ¼ teaspoon cardamom

Method

• Boil the pulp of apple and raisins in water.
• Let it boil until the water is reduced to one-third of its volume.
• Strain the solution and add the other ingredients.

Let it cool down and then drink it daily for two times a day.

4. Oranges

Oranges are rich in vitamins and essential nutrients. They are rich in vitamin C and vitamin A precursor. They prevent the spread of infection to other parts. It has a saline action in the lungs that eases expectoration. It also prevents your body from other bacterial infections too.

Not only this, oranges also boost your immunity. It enhances your body’s ability to fight the bacterial attacks. It also protects your body from the damage done by foreign particles. You should take two glasses of orange juice daily.

Things You Need

• 1 orange
• 1 cup of water
• 1 tablespoon honey
• Salt (a little)

Method

• Make orange juice and add honey and salt to it.

Drink it twice a day.

5. Black Pepper

Black pepper is effective in reducing inflammation. It has cleansing and analgesic properties that help in removing waste from your lungs. It also eliminates the symptoms of tuberculosis such as chest pain. It is also one of the simplest remedies to treat tuberculosis.

Thing You Need

• 8-10 black peppercorns
• 1 tablespoon Clarified butter
• 1 teaspoon asafetida powder

Method

• Fry peppercorns in clarified butter.
• Add asafetida powder to the mixture.
• Let it cool down and divide it into 3 equal amounts.

Have 1 dosage of this mixture daily.

6. Pineapple

Pineapple speeds up the recovery process. It dissolves the mucus and regulates its formation that fastens the healing process. Pineapples have beneficial effects on your immune system. They strengthen your defense mechanism. They aid in eliminating congestion of the lungs and nasal cavities. It is known as one of the most effective remedies for tuberculosis. Prepare pineapple juice to get its maximum benefits.

Things You Need

• Pineapple
• ½ teaspoon grounded pepper
• A pinch of salt
• ¼ teaspoon honey

Method

• Make juice from pineapple.
• Add all the ingredients to pineapple juice.

Consume this juice daily once for few months.

7. Nutmeg And Jaggery

This remedy is also very effective in treating tuberculosis. It kills the bacteria and reduces inflammation. It can help in eliminating the symptoms of tuberculosis.

Things You Need

• 1 nutmeg
• Jaggery
• Lukewarm water

Method

• Grind a nutmeg into powder.
• Add jaggery to this powder and mix them well to make a paste.
• Make small pellets from this paste.
• Don’t make very big pellets. Keep their weight approximately 3 mg only.
• Take one pellet with lukewarm water.

Do this after every half an hour.

8. Bottle Gourd

Bottle gourd is high in fibers. Apart from this, it is rich in many nutrients and minerals. These vitamins boost your immunity and strengthen your defense mechanism against the infections. It is a natural and effective home remedy for tuberculosis.

Things you need

• 1 bottle gourd
• 1 cup of water

Method

• Boil a bottle gourd in one cup of water.
• Let it boil for about 2-3 minutes.
• Strain the solution and let it cool down before drinking.

Drink it regularly once a day.

CAUTION- You should not take bottle gourd with other juices. It may be harmful to your health. Therefore, consume it separately.

9. Onions

Onions are another excellent remedy to treat tuberculosis. Consuming raw onions or their extract is much beneficial.

You can also take onion juice and add asafetida to it.

Take this juice daily once.

10. Lemon

Lemon helps in cleansing your bladder and lymph glands.

Things You Need

• 2 lemons
• 1 glass of lukewarm water

Method

• Squeeze two lemons into a glass of water.
• Drink it daily once a day.

11. Drumstick

Drumstick is anti-inflammatory and antibacterial. It can help in alleviating the symptoms of tuberculosis such as coughing. It also helps in kicking off the bacteria that causes tuberculosis. Drumstick leaves and pods are rich in vitamin C, carotene, calcium, and phosphorus.

Things You Need

• A handful of drumstick leaves
• A little bit of salt
• ¼ teaspoon pepper powder
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 1 cup of water

Method

• Boil the drumstick leaves in water for about 5-6 minutes.
• Let it cool and add pepper, salt, and lime juice.
• Drink this mixture daily on an empty stomach. It is better you consume it in the morning.

You can also consume boiled drumsticks daily instead of making juice.

12. Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry is commonly known as amla. It is antibacterial and anti-inflammatory in nature. Thus, it reduces inflammation and helps in eliminating bacteria. Indian gooseberry is rich in nutrients that boost your immunity. It replenishes your energy levels. It also improves the metabolism of your body.

Things You Need

• 4 Indian gooseberries
• 1 teaspoon honey

Method

• Crush three to four Indian gooseberries after removing the seeds.
• Extract the juice of these gooseberries with the help of a juicer.
• Add honey and mix it well.

Drink it two times a day.

13. Walnuts

Walnuts strengthen your immune system and are beneficial for people with tuberculosis. Walnuts can be considered as powerhouses of energy. they are rich in nutrients, vitamins, and minerals. walnuts are highly enriched in vitamin E, phosphorous, iron, and magnesium. All these components speed up the recovery process and improve your immunity.

Thing You Need

• 2 teaspoons walnut powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic paste
• 1 teaspoon clarified butter

Method

• Mix all the ingredients together to make a thick paste.
• Consume this once daily.

You can also include walnuts in your diet. This will be simple and effective in treating tuberculosis.

14. Mint

Mint is excellent for treating tuberculosis as it has healing powers. It has antibacterial properties that kill the germs causing tuberculosis. It will dissolve mucus and cleanse your lungs.

It will also rejuvenate your tissues and protect them from further infections. It also prevents your body from side effects of medications taken to treat tuberculosis. You can make its juice and follow the given recipe. Carrot is also good for your eyes and overall health. Honey too has healing powers. It can eliminate symptoms of tuberculosis such as a cough.

Things You Need

• 1 teaspoon mint juice
• 2 teaspoons honey
• 2 teaspoons pure malt vinegar
• ½ cup of carrot juice

Method

• Mix all the ingredients together.
• Divide it into three equal portions.

Have one dose of this mixture every 3-4 hours.

15. Green Tea

Green tea is well-known for its weight loss. However, it can treat tuberculosis as well. It has antioxidant properties that make it so effective in treating tuberculosis. Along with this, green tea also strengthens your immune system. Polyphenol compounds present in green tea can inhibit the bacterial growth. Therefore, it is very effective in kicking off the tuberculosis bacteria.

You can make green tea using the green tea leaves. If they are not available, have it in capsule form. Capsules are available in the market.

Things You Need

A green tea bag

Do

• Dip a green tea bag in hot water for 5 minutes.
• Squeeze out the excess water after taking it out.
• Place it on the cyst and let it sit for about 10 minutes.

Repeat this remedy for 3-4 times a day.

 16. Milk

Milk is one of the best sources of calcium and proteins. It also boosts your immunity. People with bone tuberculosis should consume milk. It provides you with the necessary calcium that increases your bone density. It also soothes your respiratory system and lower inflammation. It increases your body’s immunity to fight against infections. Patients with tuberculosis must increase the quantity of milk they consume. You must drink at least 2 liters of milk a day if you have bone tuberculosis. If you don’t prefer milk, add a pinch of turmeric powder and honey. Start by taking 3 glasses of milk per day. Gradually, increase the quantity of milk when you get used to it.

Alternatively:

Have 4 to 5 date palms with a glass of milk every day. Do it four times a day.

Boil 5 pieces of long paper in a glass of milk. Add sugar to it and later drink it after straining it. Drink it for two times a day.

17. Clove Oil

Clove oil is another effective remedy to treat tuberculosis. It helps the body fight the bacterial infections. it also prevents your body from further infections by strengthening your immune system.

Things You Need

• 2 tablespoon clove oil
• 1 tablespoon powdered sugar

Method

• Add powdered sugar into clove oil.
• Let it settle down and then consume this mixture.

Repeat this remedy 3-4 times a day.

18. Ginger

Ginger is also on the list of effective remedies to treat tuberculosis. Gingerol present in ginger can inhibit the growth of bacteria that causes tuberculosis. It is also one of the common spice used in the kitchen.

Have a cup of ginger tea daily three times a day.

19. Holy Basil

Holy basil has a number of health benefits. It can alleviate the symptoms of tuberculosis such as a cough and fever.

Things You Need

• 15 holy basil leaves
• ½ teaspoon black cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• 2-3 drops of lemon juice

Method

• Combine holy basil leaves with cumin and salt.
• You can make a paste with these ingredients.
• Add lemon juice to it.
• Now prepare small pellets out of this mixture.

Consume it two times a day.

20. Herbal Tea

Licorice root is the most effective remedy to treat tuberculosis. You can also use other herbs such as sage and chamomile in equal amounts with licorice roots. It relieves throat pain. It also helps you in getting relief from chronic coughing.

21. Barberry

Barberries contain bactericidal properties. These properties help in killing the bacteria causing tuberculosis. Thus, it speeds up the recovery process. These berries are very effective in eliminating the symptoms of tuberculosis.

Consume 10-15 barberries every day.

22. Horsetail

People suffering from tuberculosis are deficient in silica. Silica is a vital component that protects your body from various infections. Horsetail is rich in silica. Therefore, consuming horsetail will restore the amounts of silica in your bones.

Consume a spoon full of horsetail juice every day.

You can also make horsetail tea. Here is the recipe:

Things You Need

• 2-3 grams of horsetail
• 1 cup of water

Method

• Boil horsetail in a cup of water for 5 minutes.
• Let it cool down and filter it after 10-15 minutes.
• Drink it 3-4 times a day.

Note- Do not drink this on an empty stomach.

• Consult your doctor before taking this herb. It is because too much of this herb can decrease potassium levels in your body.
• Avoid it if you are pregnant.
• If you are suffering from heart or kidney diseases, avoid it.

 23.  Astragalus

It is also one of the best remedies to treat tuberculosis. Astragalus boosts your immune system and strengthens your defense mechanism; it also alleviates symptoms of tuberculosis such as cold and flu.

Take 250 to 500 mg of astragalus extract 3 to 4 times a day. Consume this regularly.

24. American Ginseng

Ginseng is rich in nutrients and minerals. These nutrients help in strengthening your immune system. It makes your body’s defense mechanism stronger against various infections.

It is recommended for children suffering from tuberculosis. Give this herb to children having tuberculosis three times a day.

Note- consult a doctor before using this remedy.

What Not To Eat In Tuberculosis

1. Greasy Foods

Greasy foods contain saturated fats that increase your bad cholesterol levels. They increase the risk of heart disorders and diabetes. Greasy foods can also worsen the symptoms of tuberculosis such as diarrhea, abdominal cramps, and fatigue.

All these problems may lead to more serious complications. Diarrhea results in dehydration of your body. Avoid greasy foods such as:

• Fried beef and chicken
• Bacon
• French fries
• Onion rings

These are only a few examples of greasy foods that a TB patient must avoid. But you should avoid all the greasy foods; it will help you in recovering faster. Rather, eat boiled, baked and steamed foods. Consume the foods that lack butter, creamy sauces or high-fat cheese.

2. Trans-fatty Acids

Trans fats are made when hydrogen is added to vegetable oil. These trans fats increase your bad cholesterol levels and inflammation. Avoid trans fats to eliminate the symptoms of tuberculosis. Avoid all the foods that contain low moisture and low nutrients. Have fresh fruits and green leafy vegetables.

It will be very beneficial in treating tuberculosis. Foods that contain trans fatty acids are cakes and cookies. Also, avoid margarine and crackers. They also contain these trans fatty acids.

3. Refined Carbohydrates

Refined carbohydrates often lack nutrients. You will get empty calories from refined carbohydrates such as sugar and flour. TB patients must avoid these foods. These foods hinder the healing process of tuberculosis.

These foods contain refined sugars that may encourage bacterial actions. Avoiding these foods will help your body fight the infections. Common sources of refined carbohydrates are listed below:

• Enriched bread
• Cereals
• Pasta
• Baked goods
• Instant rice
• Soft drinks
• Beverages rich in added sugar
• Candy sorbet
• Frosting
• Pancake syrup
• Jams
• Jellies

Instead of having refined carbohydrates, consume foods rich in fiber and whole grains.

4. Foods Containing Sodium

Sodium is harmful to the people with weak immunity. Tuberculosis patients have very low immunity. Thus, people with tuberculosis must avoid foods with sodium. Foods such as pickles, condiments, and processed foods must be avoided. They are highly enriched in sodium.

5. Sauces

Sauces definitely taste yum. However, they are not good for tuberculosis patients. They contain sugar and sodium. As it is mentioned sugar and sodium both are bad for people suffering from tuberculosis.

Thus, avoid sauces completely while you are undergoing tuberculosis treatment. Also, try to avoid sauces after the treatment to strengthen your body and protect your immune system. You can consume fruit juices like cranberry sauce.

6. Tea

Tea acts as a stimulant and is not beneficial for tuberculosis patients. Tea encourages the bacterial growth and can worsen the condition. It also contains caffeine that can cause a diuretic effect.

It also prevents you from consuming healthier beverages for example water or low-fat milk. But, if you cannot go without tea, better consume green tea. green tea is packed with antioxidants and antibacterial properties.

7. Coffee

Coffee is also a stimulant like tea. Coffee is also high in caffeine that encourages bacterial growth. You must avoid coffee if you have tuberculosis. Not only coffee, but all the caffeine drinks are harmful to tuberculosis patients.

Foods To Eat In Tuberculosis

• Calorie dense foods such as cereal porridge, or kheer
• Protein-rich foods like soybeans, milk, eggs, tofu, paneer
• Dried fruits such ad dried grapes and almonds
• Linseed
• Marigold
• Winter cherry
• Pulses, especially black gram
• Butter
• Ash gourd
• Beetroot
• Green leafy vegetables such as spinach
• Onions
• Fresh fruits such as mango, papaya, sweet pumpkin, tomato, capsicum
• Foods rich in selenium and zinc such as mushrooms, chia seeds, sunflower seeds, sesame, fortified eggs

How To Prevent Yourself From Tuberculosis?

So, you often hear that you should prevent yourself from tuberculosis. Yes, that is absolutely true. If you are positive for latent TB, you can still prevent yourself from tuberculosis. Only the active TB is contagious. Thus, your doctor will give you medications that reduce the risk of converting latent TB into active TB. It is better if you can prevent your latent TB to become active by taking some precautions. This will also prevent it from spreading to others.

Protect Yourself And Your Family

If you are positive for active TB, stay away from others. It takes only a few weeks for the medications to treat your TB. So, follow the given tips to protect your family and friends:

1. Stay At Your Place

Don’t go to your school or work during the initial days of TB treatment. Try to stay in your room but for only the first few weeks of treatment.

2. Proper Ventilation

Tuberculosis spread more easily in closely spaced areas. Maintain proper ventilation in your room and let the air blow into your room.

3. Cover Your Mouth

Covering our mouths when we sneeze is a good manner. But for people tuberculosis, it is a precaution they must take. Always cover your mouth when you sneeze, cough, or laugh. Don’t throw the dirty tissue anywhere. Keep it in a polybag and throw it in the dustbin.

4. Wear a Mask

Always wear a surgical mask when you talk with other people. It will prevent the spread of this disease to others.

Don’t Leave Your Medications In Between

It is not allowed to skip doses or stop the treatment earlier. If you stop your treatment early, the bacteria may develop some resistant strains to the TB drugs. Then they become more deadly and very hard to eliminate from your body. Thus, it is the most important to finish the entire course of medication.

Vaccination

Infants must be vaccinated with bacillus Calmette-Guerin (BCG) vaccine. It can prevent children from severe tuberculosis. It is usually for infants and not recommended for adults. This is because it is not very effective for adults. Today, new TB vaccines are developed and experimented.

When To See a Doctor

Consult your doctor if you have symptoms of tuberculosis. If you have a fever, weight loss, or a severe cough see your doctor. They are all symptoms of tuberculosis. However, they are also signs of some other underlying issues. Thus, your doctor examines the disease by doing some tests.

FAQs

1. Can Tuberculosis Go Away On Its Own?

No, it will not go away on its own. If you have latent TB, it may turn active if left untreated. If you leave active TB untreated, the bacteria get resistant to antibiotics. The bacteria will be thus able to survive under the effects of common antibiotics. The condition will get severe and difficult to treat. There are also many complications of untreated tuberculosis. So, it is better you treat it as having such problems.

2. How Long Can a Person Live With Tuberculosis?

A person with tuberculosis can live for months or even years. This is because the mycobacterium divides very slowly. Thus, you can live long even if you have tuberculosis. However, it depends on some factors like nutrition, immunity power, organs involved, environment, and extent of illness. With the medications, it is treated easily and takes six months only.

But it is more about preventing its spread rather than living with the disease. If left untreated, it will cause harm to you and to others also. So, take proper measures and don’t let it spread to other people.

3. Can You Get Rid Of TB If You Have It?

Yes, you can rid of tuberculosis if you have it. If you have latent TB, you can cure it with home remedies and an antibiotic. But as it turns into active TB, you will have to take a regular course of medications.

Finish your course of medication to cure it completely. You should never stop taking your medications early. You only need to follow some precautions and be regular on the medicines.

4. How Long Is a Person With Tuberculosis Contagious?

A person is contagious if he or she has active TB. Basically, patients are no longer contagious after 2 weeks of treatment.

5. Is TB a Sexually Transmitted Disease?

No, tuberculosis is not a sexually transmitted disease. You can have sexual relations with a person taking treatment for tuberculosis. Beyond 2 weeks of treatment, a person with active TB will not spread the disease.

Genital tuberculosis is a type of tuberculosis that can spread through sexual intercourse. However, such cases are very rare.

6. Can You Kiss Someone With Tuberculosis?

Kissing a person with tuberculosis is safe and it will not infect you. It is transferred when you inhale the droplets released by the infected person.

7. Can You Exercise With Tuberculosis?

For patients suffering from tuberculosis, light exercises are recommended. You can walk for 20 minutes. But don’t work out for long periods. Exercise is good but you need to take care while doing exercise. Just perform very light exercises. It will help in fastening the healing process. Don’t go for very hard and time taking exercises. Do relaxation exercises.

Final Word

Home remedies have proved to be effective in treating symptoms of tuberculosis. However, tuberculosis is a serious disease. Therefore, if you are having extreme symptoms of tuberculosis, seek medical help.

Follow an effective treatment approach to treat tuberculosis. There is no harm trying these home remedies but then they cannot cure tuberculosis completely. So, you will need to have medications for its complete cure.