Recognize the difference between TB disease in children and adults

WHO estimates that around 550,000 children contract tuberculosis (TB) every year. Although not much different from TB in adults, TB in children is considered more dangerous because it can appear quickly after the bacteria infect.

The difference between TB in children and adults

Although both are tuberculosis, there are several differences between the bacteria that infect children and adults. These differences include:

1. Mode of transmission

Transmission of TB in children is no different from adults, namely by inhaling airborne tuberculosis bacteria from TB sufferers. Bacteria can be spread when a person coughs, sneezes, talks, and even laughs.

TB disease is very easily transmitted through the air. However, usually, children who suffer from this bacterial infection are not caught from other children who are also infected.

The main source of TB transmission in children is the neighborhood where adults with TB live.

2. The stage of disease development

TB disease in children and adults is equally divided into three stages, namely:

• Bacterial infection. A person comes into contact with the sufferer, then becomes infected with tuberculosis bacteria. Symptoms did not appear and the test was negative.
• Latent tuberculosis. TB bacteria are present in the body, but symptoms do not appear because the immune system is strong enough to stop the progression of the disease. The examination shows a positive result, but the person cannot spread the infection to other people.
• Active tuberculosis / tuberculosis disease. TB bacteria are active and cause symptoms. The examination shows a positive result and the patient can transmit the disease.

The difference between TB in children and adults at this stage is the development of the disease itself. Children usually reach the stage of active TB in a few weeks or months after being infected, while adults may only experience this stage many years later.

3. Symptoms

Symptoms of TB disease in children can vary depending on age. However, the most common symptoms include:

• Fever and chills
• Coughs
• Sluggish body
• Swollen glands
• Stunted body growth
• Weight loss

This collection of symptoms can mimic other diseases of the respiratory system. Therefore, parents need to monitor the child's condition and immediately take him to the doctor to confirm the diagnosis.

Adolescents and adults also experience the same signs as the symptoms of TB in children. However, these symptoms are also accompanied by the following conditions:

• Cough for more than 3 weeks
• Coughing up phlegm mixed with blood
• Chest pain
• Tiring easily
• Decrease in appetite and weight
• Fever that doesn't go away
• Night sweats

4. Diagnosis

TB disease in children can be diagnosed through the Mantoux test. This test is done in two visits.

At the first visit, the doctor will inject a tuberculin fluid into the skin of the forearm. The results were observed at the next visit.

A person is said to be positive for TB infection if a lump appears in the injection area after 48-72 hours. The doctor will usually recommend a follow-up examination consisting of chest x-rays, sputum examination, and blood tests.

Diagnosis of TB disease in children is more difficult than adults. The reason is, the symptoms of this disease are similar to other health problems that commonly afflict children such as pneumonia, common bacterial and viral infections, and malnutrition.

Tuberculosis can cause life-threatening complications for both adults and children. Therefore, parents need to anticipate by understanding the ins and outs of this disease.

You can also prevent transmission by reducing the risk of disease. Also monitor for signs of TB disease in family members at home. When TB symptoms appear, get checked out immediately to detect the disease as early as possible.