Serious Illnesses that Need
Special Medical Attention
179
CHAPTER
14
The diseases covered in this chapter are often difficult or impossible to cure
without medical help. Many need special medicines that are difficult to get in
rural areas. Home remedies will not cure them. If a person has one of these
illnesses, THE SOONER HE GETS MEDICAL HELP, THE BETTER HIS CHANCE
OF GETTING WELL.
CAUTION: Many of the illnesses covered in other chapters may also be serious and
require medical assistance. See the Signs of Dangerous Illness, p. 42.
TUBERCULOSIS (TB, CONSUMPTION)
Tuberculosis of the lungs is a chronic (long-lasting), contagious (easily spread)
disease that anyone can get. But it often strikes persons between 15 and 35 years
of age—especially those who are weak, poorly nourished, have HIV, or live with
someone who has TB. Because so many people with HIV (p. 399) get very sick with
TB, all people with HIV should get a TB test. People with HIV can take isoniazid (see
p. 360) to prevent TB from developing. Encourage people with TB to also be tested
for HIV and find help with a treatment program if they are positive.
Tuberculosis is curable. Yet thousands die needlessly from this disease every
year. Both for prevention and cure, it is very important to treat tuberculosis early.
Be on the lookout for the signs of tuberculosis. A person may have one or many
of them.
Most frequent signs of TB:
• A cough that lasts longer than 3 weeks, often worse just after
waking up.
• Slight fever in the evening and sweating at night.
• There may be pain in the chest or upper back.
• Chronic loss of weight and increasing weakness.
In serious or advanced cases:
• Coughing up blood (usually a little, but in some cases a lot).
• Pale, waxy skin. The skin of a dark skinned person tends to
get lighter, especially the face.
• Voice grows hoarse (very serious).
In young children: The cough may come late. Instead, look for:
• Steady weight loss.
• Frequent fever.
• Lighter skin color.
• Swellings in the neck (lymph nodes), or the belly (p. 20).
TB is usually only in the lungs. But it can affect any part of the body. In young
children it may cause meningitis (see p. 185). For skin problems from TB, see p. 212.