Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (NR)
 
Mangalore, Mar 23: KMC hospital, Attavar is conducting a free screening for TB and bronchitis March  24th, 25th  26 th from 9 am to 1 pm. The free screening is organised on the occasion of World TB day on 24th March, informs a press release here on Saturday, March 22.
 
Dr. Sunil Deshpande, Chief Operating Officer (COO), KMC Hospital, Mangalore informs in the press release that patients attending the camp can subsequently avail the benefit of free OPD in the afternoon by the consultants.On this day KMC Hospital aims to build public awareness and mobilize resources to completely eliminate TB, the release adds.
 
The release goes on to inform that someone in the world is newly infected with TB bacilli every second. Like the common cold, it spreads through the air. Only people who are sick with TB in their lungs are infectious. When infectious people cough, sneeze, talk or spit, they propel TB germs, known as bacilli, into the air.
 
A person needs only to inhale a small number of these to be infected. But people infected with TB bacilli will not necessarily become sick with the disease. The immune system "walls off" the TB bacilli which, protected by a thick waxy coat, can lie dormant for years.
 
When some one's immune system is weakened, the chances of becoming sick are greater. HIV-TB has in recent years become a serious issue, given that TB is the first opportunistic disease to strike AIDS patients.
 
People infected with TB subject to be sensitive, anxious, rigid, and emotionally labile. Alcoholism, frequent and persistent psychosomatic disorders, economic instability and mental illness are common factors for the development of the disease, informs the release.
 
Moreover the press release states with the development of strains of 'Multiple Drug Resistant' bacteria, there is a small chance of developing active TB again after complete medication. Enough sleep, exercise and a healthy diet helps to keep up good health and resistance to the tuberculosis bacteria, advises the release.
 
Discussing the symptoms the release states, bronchitis is an inflammation of the main air passages (bronchi) to your lungs. It causes a cough, shortness of breath and chest tightness. Patients with bronchitis need to consult a doctor when severe coughing interferes with rest or sleep, coughing of blood and if fever continues beyond four to five days, advises Dr Deshpande in the release. 
 
Dr. Sunil Deshpande has urged the public to make the maximum use of this opportunity.