Teenagers are Vulnerable to Tuberculosis, IPB University Lecturer Reveals Why
Tuberculosis (TBC) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TBC usually attacks the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. TBC can also affect several parts of the body at once, such as the lungs and lymph nodes.
Globally, 217 million adolescents and young adults (10-24 years old) are infected with TBC, with an estimated 1,8 million developing TB disease each year. In Indonesia, by 2022 there will be 104.000 (67.000-142.000) people aged 15-24 years with TBC.
Dr Desdiani, lecturer at the Faculty of Medicine, IPB University, said that adolescents aged 10-19 years are a unique age group due to the transition from child to adult, which is characterised by physical, physiological, emotional, and psychological changes.
‘At this age, the risk of developing TBC infection into TBC disease increases, because there is a natural decrease in the immune system related to puberty conditions. Therefore, TBC in adolescents needs special attention,’ said Dr Desdiani.
She continued, other challenges in adolescent TBC are psychosocial factors such as wide socialization, fear of stigma, non-adherence to taking medication, learning and cognitive disorders, depression, comorbidities such as HIV, and risky behaviours such as smoking, alcohol consumption, and drug abuse.
‘This makes adolescents and young adults have a higher risk of late diagnosis and poor TBC treatment results, as well as disturbances to their mental health,’ said the pulmonologist.
She explained the symptoms of active tuberculosis in children-teens-young adults include coughing, feeling unwell, feeling weak or appearing less active, weight loss, fever and night sweats.
‘Prevention of TBC in adolescents can be done through three efforts. First, by administering the Bacille Calmette Guerin (BCG) vaccine which contains attenuated Mycobacterium bovis, which aims to provide temporary protection to adolescents against TB disease,’ said dr Desdiani.
Secondly, dr Desdiani continued, the provision of Tuberculosis Preventive Therapy (TPT). This action can be taken to prevent TBC infection in individuals who come into contact with TBC patients to stop the progression of TBC infection towards active TBC.
‘Third, controlling risk factors by reducing contact with individuals infected with TBC, for example living with family members who suffer from TBC, travelling frequently to countries where many people suffer from TBC,’ she explained.
Meanwhile, Dr Desdiani explained that the prevention and control of TBC infection can be done in various ways, namely:
- Infection prevention and control (PPI) practices are important to reduce the risk of TBC transmission by reducing the concentration of infectious droplets in the air and aerosol exposure to vulnerable people.
- Provision of tissues, masks, tissue disposal and proper sputum disposal.
- Respiratory hygiene practices (including cough etiquette) in people with suspected or confirmed TBC.
- People who have a cough and sputum discharge for more than two weeks should be seen in hospital immediately.
- Do not spit in public, cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing (cough etiquette).
- Keep the neighbourhood well ventilated and lit, as TBC germs like damp places.
- Wash your hands because hygiene is the most important.
- Avoid contact with people infected with TBC by wearing a mask in public places. (IAAS/ASY)Â
