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Published on: Feb 20, 2023
1 minute read
By: SECONDMEDIC EXPERT

Allergies And Asthma: Tips For Managing Symptoms

Allergies occur when your immune system overreacts to a harmless substance, such as pollen, pet dander, or certain foods. Symptoms can include sneezing, runny nose, itchy eyes, and skin rashes. Asthma, on the other hand, is a chronic respiratory condition characterized by inflammation and narrowing of the airways, which can cause wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

While allergies and asthma are separate conditions, they often occur together. In fact, many people with asthma have allergies, and allergens can trigger asthma symptoms.

Here are some tips to manage allergies and asthma:

1. Identify your triggers: Keep track of what triggers your allergies and asthma and try to avoid those triggers as much as possible.

2. Take medication as prescribed: If you have allergies or asthma, your doctor may prescribe medication to manage your symptoms. Make sure to take your medication as directed, even if you feel fine.

3. Use an air purifier: An air purifier can help remove allergens and other irritants from the air, which can reduce your symptoms.

4. Keep your home clean: Regularly clean your home to remove dust, mold, and other allergens that can trigger your symptoms.

5. Get regular check-ups: If you have allergies or asthma, it's important to see your doctor regularly to monitor your condition and adjust your treatment as needed.

6. Manage stress: Stress can worsen allergies and asthma symptoms, so it's important to find ways to manage stress. Try relaxation techniques such as deep breathing, meditation, or yoga.

7. Exercise regularly: Exercise can help improve lung function and overall health. However, if exercise triggers your asthma, talk to your doctor about ways to manage your symptoms during exercise.

8. Consider allergy shots: Allergy shots, also known as immunotherapy, can help reduce your sensitivity to allergens over time. Talk to your doctor to see if this treatment option is right for you.

9. Know the difference between allergies and asthma: While allergies and asthma can share similar symptoms, it's important to understand the differences between the two. Allergies typically cause symptoms such as sneezing, runny nose, and itchy eyes, while asthma symptoms include wheezing, shortness of breath, and coughing.

10. Seek emergency care when necessary: If you experience severe asthma symptoms such as difficulty breathing or chest pain, seek emergency medical care right away.

It's also important to note that while there is no cure for allergies or asthma, with proper management, most people can live symptom-free or with minimal symptoms. Work with your doctor to develop a personalized treatment plan that meets your needs and lifestyle.

Remember, if you have any concerns about your allergies or asthma, talk to your doctor. With the right care and support, you can effectively manage your symptoms and live a healthy, active life.

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TB disease symptoms

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most significant infectious diseases worldwide, especially in developing countries. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, TB continues to cause serious illness due to delayed detection. Understanding TB disease symptoms is essential because the condition often begins quietly, allowing infection to progress and spread before treatment starts.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), early diagnosis and complete treatment are the most effective strategies to control TB and prevent drug resistance.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other organs, known as extrapulmonary TB.

TB spreads through the air when an infected person:

coughs
sneezes
speaks
sings

Prolonged close contact increases transmission risk.

How TB Infection Progresses

TB infection progresses in stages:

Latent TB infection – bacteria remain inactive without symptoms
Active TB disease – bacteria multiply and cause symptoms

Only active TB causes illness and spreads infection.

Common TB Disease Symptoms

Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than two weeks is the most common TB symptom.

Characteristics include:

continuous coughing
worsening over time
coughing up mucus or blood

Blood-streaked sputum is a serious warning sign.

Fever

TB-related fever is usually:

low-grade
persistent
worse in the evening

Fever may be accompanied by chills.

Night Sweats

Excessive sweating during sleep, even in cool environments, is a classic TB symptom.

Night sweats occur due to immune system activation against infection.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Significant weight loss without dieting is common.

TB causes:

reduced appetite
increased metabolic demand

Weight loss indicates advanced disease activity.

Fatigue and Weakness

Chronic fatigue is often one of the earliest symptoms.

People may experience:

low energy
weakness
reduced ability to work

Fatigue worsens as disease progresses.

Chest Pain and Breathlessness

Inflammation of lung tissue can cause:

chest discomfort
pain during breathing
shortness of breath

These symptoms indicate lung involvement.

Symptoms of Extrapulmonary TB

TB can affect organs beyond the lungs.

Lymph Node TB

painless swelling in neck or armpits
nodes may become firm or drain pus

Bone and Joint TB

persistent back pain
joint stiffness
difficulty walking

TB of the Brain (TB Meningitis)

severe headache
confusion
vomiting
neck stiffness

This is a medical emergency.

Abdominal TB

abdominal pain
swelling
altered bowel habits
unexplained fever

Why TB Symptoms Are Often Ignored

TB symptoms are overlooked because:

they develop gradually
they resemble common infections
fever and cough seem seasonal
weight loss is attributed to stress

Delay allows disease progression and transmission.

Who Is at Higher Risk of TB?

High-risk groups include:

people with weak immunity
individuals with diabetes
smokers
malnourished individuals
people living in crowded conditions
close contacts of TB patients

Regular screening is essential in high-risk populations.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection:

prevents disease spread
reduces lung damage
improves treatment success
lowers risk of drug-resistant TB

WHO reports that delayed diagnosis is a major cause of TB-related deaths.

How TB Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis may involve:

sputum tests
chest X-ray
molecular tests
blood investigations

Testing is guided by symptoms and clinical assessment.

Treatment and Recovery

TB is curable with:

timely diagnosis
complete treatment course
medication adherence

Incomplete treatment increases the risk of drug-resistant TB.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a doctor immediately if:

cough lasts more than two weeks
fever persists
unexplained weight loss occurs
blood appears in sputum
fatigue worsens

Early evaluation saves lives.

Preventing TB Spread

Preventive measures include:

early diagnosis and treatment
proper cough hygiene
adequate ventilation
screening close contacts

Public health efforts rely on awareness and early action.

Long-Term Impact of Untreated TB

Untreated TB can lead to:

severe lung damage
spread to other organs
respiratory failure
death

TB is preventable and curable—but only if treated early.

Conclusion

TB disease symptoms often begin subtly but signal a serious, potentially life-threatening infection. Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue should never be ignored. Recognising these symptoms early and seeking timely medical care not only improves recovery but also prevents transmission to others. TB remains a major public health challenge, but awareness, early diagnosis and complete treatment can save lives and stop its spread.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Tuberculosis Control and Research Report
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) – TB Guidelines India
World Health Organization (WHO) – Tuberculosis Fact Sheets and Management Guidelines
Lancet – Global Tuberculosis Burden and Outcomes Studies
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – TB Surveillance Dat
Indian Journal of Tuberculosis – Clinical Features and Diagnosis Studies

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