UNAIR NEWS – Tuberculosis, commonly abbreviated as TB, is one of the diseases with a high number of sufferers in Indonesia. In 2024, Indonesia is ranked second after India in terms of the highest number of TB patients worldwide. It underscores the critical need for public education on TB.
An event on this matter took place live on Wednesday, March 27, 2024, through the UNAIR Dokter TV YouTube channel. On this occasion, two esteemed faculty members from UNAIR’s Faculty of Medicine, dr. Prastuti Asta Wulaningrum, dr SpP, FAPSR, and dr Deby Kusumanungrum, MSi, SpMK (K), provided insights into TB.
TB quietly threats all individuals
The high number of TB patients in Indonesia is also due to the Covid-19 pandemic, which has led to neglect of TB treatment and screening. Furthermore, TB spreads through the air, making its transmission tend to be massive. “TB bacteria can attack any organ, which is frightening. These bacteria are aerobic, meaning they thrive in the air, so wherever there is air, they can attach,” explained Prastuti.
Due to its easy airborne transmission, individuals may unwittingly carry TB without exhibiting any symptoms. Nevertheless, Prastuti emphasized the potential of the body’s immune system to combat TB, suggesting that robust immunity can naturally eradicate the pathogen without external intervention.
Prastuti also outlined the symptoms caused by TB. “The symptoms will depend on where it attaches. For example, if it’s in the brain, it can cause headaches. Or if it’s in the chest, it can lead to abscesses in the breast,” Prastuti explained. This was mentioned because many people still believe that TB symptoms only occur in the respiratory tract.
Affordable TB screening and treatment
TB screening and treatment are essentially supported by the government through the National Health Insurance System (BPJS). “There are microscopic examinations to rapid molecular tests, with results available in just two hours. The government supports the cost of these tests, and they are available even at the primary healthcare level,” Deby stated.
However, prevention is certainly better than cure. Therefore, Deby also added that TB prevention can be done through several simple methods. “Preventive measures include wearing masks, regularly washing hands, and practicing cough etiquette,” Deby concluded.
Author: Afifah Alfina
Editor: Khefti Al Mawalia
