Tuberculosis Disease: Information on Symptoms, Causes & Treatment of Tuberculosis

Overview 
 
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that is most often found in the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can spread to other parts of the body (extrapulmonary TB). TB in the lungs is easily spread to other people through coughing or laughing. Treatment is often successful, though the process is long. Treatment time averages between 6 and 9 months. 
Tuberculosis is either latent (dormant) or active.

 
&bull; Latent TB means that you have the TB-causing bacteria in your body, but you cannot spread the disease to others. However, you can still develop active TB. 
&bull; Active TB means the infection is spreading in your body and, if your lungs are infected, you can spread the disease to others. 
Symptoms
If you have latent TB, you will not have symptoms unless the disease becomes active. Most people don't know that they have latent TB. 
Symptoms include:
 
&bull; Ongoing cough that brings up thick, cloudy, and sometimes bloody mucus (sputum) from the lungs. 
&bull; Fatigue and weight loss. 
&bull; Night sweats and fever. 
&bull; Rapid heartbeat. 
&bull; Swelling in the neck (when lymph nodes in the neck are infected). 
&bull; Shortness of breath and chest pain (in rare cases). 
Sometimes, when you are first infected, the disease is so mild you don't know you have it. This is also true for people with latent TB because they have no symptoms. 

Causes
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, slow-growing bacteria that thrive in areas of the body that are rich in blood and oxygen, such as the lungs.
Treatment
Milk Diet
 
The chief therapeutic agent needed for the treatment of tuberculosis is calcium. Milk is the richest food source for the supply of organic calcium to the body and should be taken liberally. In fact an exclusive milk diet is considered highly valuable in tuberculosis.
A preparatory fast for three days, consisting of raw juices, preferably, orange juice, is essential before the milk diet is begun. The procedure is to take half a glass of orange juice diluted with an equal quantity of water every two hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. 
For the full milk diet, the patient should have a glass of milk every two hours from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. on the first day, followed by a glass and a half every hour on the second day. Thereafter, the quantity can be gradually increased until the patient takes a glass every half an hour. Usually, six liters of milk should be taken every day. In the case of women, five liters should be sufficient. 
Raw milk, that is, milk, which has not been pasteurized, produces the best results, provided it is clean and pure. Milk should be kept cool and away from dust, flies, odors, and sunlight. It should be gently stirred before use to ensure an even distribution of cream. 
It should be sipped very slowly so as to be thoroughly mixed with saliva which dilutes it and, to a great extent, promotes its digestion. Nearly eight to six weeks of full milk diet is necessary for the success of the treatment. A considerable amount of rest is necessary with a milk diet and the patient should lie down for about two hours twice a day.
Custard Apple 
Custard apple is regarded as one of the most valuable remedies for tuberculosis. It is said to contain the qualities of rejuvenating drugs. Ayurvedic practitioners prepare fermented liquor called sitaphalasava from this fruit, when in season, for use as a medicine in the treatment of this disease. The pulp of two custard apples and twenty-five seedless raisins should be boiled in water on a slow fire. When about one-third of the water is left, it should be filtered, and then mixed with two teaspoons of powdered sugar candy, and a quarter teaspoon each of the powder of cardamom, cinnamon, and certain other condiments. 
Tuberculosis treatment using Indian Gooseberry

Indian gooseberry 
A tablespoon each of fresh amla juice and honey, mixed together, should be taken every morning in treating this disease. Its regular use will promote vigor and vitality in the body within a few days
Pineapple 
Pineapple juice is beneficial in the treatment of tuberculosis. It has been found to be effective in dissolving mucus and aiding recovery. This juice was used regularly in the past in treating this disease when it was more common than it is at present. One glass of pineapple juice is recommended daily
Banana 
Bananas are considered useful in tuberculosis. The juice of the plantain or the ordinary cooking bananas works miracles in tile cure of tuberculosis. It claims to have cured patients in an advanced stage of this disease with frequent cough, abundant expectoration and high fever in two months, by this treatment
Orange 
Oranges are useful in the treatment of tuberculosis. A glass of orange juice should be mixed with a pinch of salt and a tablespoon of honey and taken daily by the patient. Due to its saline action in the lungs, it eases expectoration and protects the body from secondary infections.
Drumstick 
A soup prepared from drumstick leaves has been found valuable in this disease. This soup is prepared by adding a handful of leaves to 200 ml of water which has been heated to a boiling point. The water should then be allowed to boil for five minutes more. After that it should be removed from the fire and allowed to cool. A little salt, pepper, and lime juice may be added to this soup. This drink should be taken first thing every morning.
Bottle Gourd 
The use of bottle gourd is considered an effective remedy for tuberculosis. Bottle gourd is one of the best vegetables for tuberculosis patients. Regular use of cooked bottle gourd helps in developing immunity against tubercular germs
Mint 
The fresh juice of mint has also been found useful in this disease. A teaspoon of this juice, mixed with two teaspoons of pure malt vinegar and an equal quantity of honey, should be stirred in 120 ml of carrot juice. This should be given as a medicinal tonic thrice daily in the treatment of tuberculosis. It liquefies the sputum, nourishes the lungs, increases body resistance against infection, and prevents the harmful effects of anti-tubercular drugs