Pulmonary tuberculosis is not hereditary but is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is mainly transmitted through the respiratory tract when an infected person coughs, sneezes or spits, spreading bacteria into the air. People in close contact with patients, especially in closed spaces, are at high risk of infection without appropriate protective measures.
The disease can progress silently with unclear symptoms such as prolonged cough, mild fever, weight loss or physical deterioration. If not treated promptly, pulmonary tuberculosis damages the lung parenchyma, forming abnormal structures such as cavities and cocoons in the lungs, causing complications.
The disease can lead to pulmonary fibrosis, hemoptysis, prolonged inflammation and the risk of developing pulmonary mycetoma. Some severe cases can cause difficulty breathing, respiratory failure, and death. TB patients are at high risk of developing chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) with symptoms of difficulty breathing that gradually worsen over time.
Currently, the three of you have completed treatment for tuberculosis, but it is unclear how long the treatment will last. To know if your father is at risk of spreading the disease to his neighbors, you need to take him to a hospital with full specialized equipment for a re-examination. Evaluations include a physical examination, chest X-ray, blood tests, and other specialized methods if necessary.
People living with or in close contact with people with tuberculosis also need screening to promptly detect the disease. Necessary tests include chest X-ray and blood tests to look for signs of tuberculosis infection. Depending on the results, the doctor prescribes preventive treatment according to the instructions of the Ministry of Health.
Families of people with tuberculosis need to be aware of the risk of other lung diseases, including lung cancer, especially in people who smoke for a long time or have underlying lung diseases. Lung tumor screening through 768-slice CT scan or low-dose 1975-slice CT scan helps detect lesions early and treat them effectively. Patients may need spirometry and polysomnography to assess the impact on the upper respiratory tract.
Patients need to improve their resistance through a balanced diet, regular exercise, not smoking, and check-ups as prescribed by the doctor, thereby reducing complications and ensuring long-term health.