Tuberculosis - The cough that did not go away
As part of the Government Employees Medical Scheme's (GEMS) ongoing effort to educate our members and future members on a range of healthcare topics, we would like to provide you with real life member stories. This article explores tuberculosis (TB) and its treatment this World TB Day, 24 March 2011.
Tumi Makasa* of Johannesburg became worried about his health when he had a cough that would not go away and he began having night sweats and chest pains. He was also feeling tired all the time. Tumi is a busy father of three who had recently been promoted in the Department of Public Works. He did not go to the doctor at first because he was so busy at work and had not been able to find the time. He also thought it was just an "ordinary cough" that would soon get better on its own.
Dangerous to your health
Tumi, who is a GEMS member, read on the GEMS website that his cough could be a sign of tuberculosis, or TB as it is better known. After finding out about the dangers associated with TB he became very worried that he could infect his family if he had the disease. He scheduled an urgent appointment to see his doctor and is thankful that he did. He tested positive for TB and is now feeling much better since he started treatment six weeks ago.
"Before I started treatment I was feeling so exhausted all the time and I could hardly do my work or play with my kids anymore," says Tumi. "Now I am feeling fit and healthy again. TB treatment has really given me my life back."
Leading cause of death
The World Health Organisation (WHO) estimates that TB kills more than 1.7 million people around the world every year. It is a common illness in South Africa and the leading natural cause of death.
Signs of TB
TB may be passed on from person to person through coughs, sneezes, and spitting. Some people have the germ but never develop the active form of the illness.
TB usually affects the lungs making it difficult to breath and if it is left untreated it can cause permanent damage to the lungs and even go on to kill the sufferer.
The following could be signs that you have TB:
Treatment
TB is treated with antibiotics and these need to be taken as directed by a doctor or nurse for six months. Treatment should not be stopped because one is feeling better or does not like the drugs. TB has to be treated for the full six months otherwise it will come back and one may develop a resistant strain that is even more difficult to treat.
After his experience, Tumi recommends that anyone who has any of the above symptoms should have themselves and their families checked for the illness by their doctor. After Tumi was diagnosed with TB, his doctor suggested that he also have his family checked for the illness. This is because he might have caught it from them or given it to them. It was a good thing that he did this because his wife, Tobeka, was also found to have the illness and was able to begin treatment immediately.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can catch TB although some people are at greater risk of developing the disease. They include those individuals who:
TB can be cured and should be treated before it can do lasting damage to your health. Tumi is grateful that he and Tobeka were able to receive treatment in time and can now continue to live healthy and full lives, raising their three wonderful children. Tumi says that from now on, if ever there is anything not quite right with his health he will go straight to the doctor. "My family and my life are too important to me to take any risks."
*The member's name has been changed in order to protect his privacy.
For any GEMS member queries, please contact the GEMS call centre on 0860 00 4367 or visit our website at www.gems.gov.za. GEMS will assist you in every way possible to ensure your family's health and wellbeing.
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