Not a Poor Country, So Why? ... MZ Generation, Don't Underestimate 'Tuberculosis' Just Because You're Young!

OECD Highest Incidence Rate and 3rd in Mortality, Watch for Onset Regardless of Age When Immunity Drops

March 24th is "Tuberculosis Prevention Day." [Image source=Clipart Korea].

[Asia Economy Yeongnam Reporting Headquarters Reporter Lee Dong-guk] March 24th is 'Tuberculosis Prevention Day.'

Tuberculosis Prevention Day was established in 1982 to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the discovery of the tuberculosis-causing bacterium on March 24, 1883, a disease once considered incurable. Every year, various events are held to promote tuberculosis prevention and early detection.

South Korea, which records the highest tuberculosis incidence rate among OECD countries, designated March 24th as 'Tuberculosis Prevention Day' starting in 2010.

Tuberculosis, caused by the tuberculosis bacterium, is a disease that can be sufficiently prevented and cured through regular treatment for an average of over six months. However, as of 2019, it ranked 13th among the leading causes of death worldwide, making it a dangerous infectious disease that should not be taken lightly.

According to the Korea Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's domestic tuberculosis status, as of 2020, the total number of tuberculosis patients was 25,350, which corresponds to 49.4 cases per 100,000 people. Among 215 countries worldwide, South Korea ranked 95th in incidence, 109th in mortality among 214 countries, and recorded the highest incidence and third highest mortality among the 38 OECD member countries.

When tuberculosis is mentioned, it is often associated with poverty-related diseases such as 'disease of the poor,' 'disease caused by malnutrition,' or 'disease of developing countries.' However, in South Korea, which is far from poverty and has experienced economic growth, tuberculosis continues to occur persistently.

When infected with the tuberculosis bacterium, about 10% of patients actually develop tuberculosis, which is related to individual nutrition, immunity, and overall health status. This means that even young people, who are not elderly or suffering from underlying diseases with relatively lower immunity, are not free from tuberculosis depending on their nutrition and health condition.

Through the national immunization support program, the BCG vaccine is administered within four weeks after birth, but this does not prevent all tuberculosis cases into adulthood. Young people are exposed to extreme nutritional deficiencies due to excessive dieting, and students and office workers under severe stress or overwork often have weakened physical strength. Additionally, increased indoor activities in enclosed offices or study spaces with poor ventilation or humidity control are also considered risk factors.

In 90% of tuberculosis bacterium carriers, the infection is latent, meaning the bacteria are present in the body but suppressed by the immune system, resulting in no symptoms. Tuberculosis bacteria are not detected in chest X-rays or sputum tests. However, latent tuberculosis infection tests may show positive results, and treatment of latent tuberculosis can prevent 60-90% of cases from progressing to active tuberculosis.

Chest X-rays are used to check for active tuberculosis, and if tuberculosis is suspected based on symptoms such as coughing and chest X-ray findings, sputum tests are conducted.

After a tuberculosis diagnosis, treatment with anti-tuberculosis drugs is administered for at least six months. Due to the long treatment period, it is essential to continue treatment without interruption. Patients must follow medical staff instructions regarding dosage and timing of prescribed medications, and attend follow-up visits for tests to monitor tuberculosis improvement.

Dr. Lee Gyu-min, head of the Respiratory Specialist Center at Daedong Hospital (specialist in respiratory medicine), said, "If you experience abnormal symptoms such as fever, hemoptysis, cough lasting more than two weeks, fatigue, weight loss, or loss of appetite, do not take it lightly and visit a medical institution for diagnosis."

He also advised, "All diseases, including tuberculosis, can be properly treated if detected early, so pay attention to your physical condition and consistently practice healthy lifestyle habits."

To prevent tuberculosis, cover your mouth and nose with tissue or your sleeve when coughing or sneezing, and immediately dispose of used tissues in a trash bin. It is recommended to wash hands with soap under running water for more than 30 seconds.

Pay attention to health promotion through balanced nutrition and continuous physical activity, and maintain a clean environment through ventilation and cleaning. If you have respiratory symptoms or are a family contact of a tuberculosis patient, it is recommended to visit a nearby medical institution.

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.