The Deadly Intersection: TB And Tobacco Smoking Co-Epidemics In Indonesia – OpEd
In the lead up to World No Tobacco Day later this month, it is high time we recognise and effectively address the deadly synergy..
Tuberculosis (TB), also known colloquially as the "white death", or historically as consumption, is an infectious disease usually caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB) bacteria. Tuberculosis generally affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Most infections show no symptoms, in which case it is known as latent tuberculosis. Around 10% of latent infections progress to active disease which, if left untreated, kill about half of those affected. Typical symptoms of active TB are chronic cough with blood-containing mucus, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. Infection of other organs can cause a wide range of symptoms.
In the lead up to World No Tobacco Day later this month, it is high time we recognise and effectively address the deadly synergy..