Tuberculosis in the Elderly: Why Older Adults Are at Greater Risk

Tuberculosis is a severe disease that can affect the lungs and other parts of the body. Adults above the age of 65 are at a higher risk of suffering from Tuberculosis, often due to their weakened immune systems.

This article will explore the prevention, causes, and symptoms of Tuberculosis disease and why the elderly are at greater risk of TB.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly infectious and severe disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

This disease mainly affects the lungs but, in some cases, may spread to other body parts, such as the kidneys, brain, and spine.

What Are the Risk Factors of Tuberculosis?

Exposure to the TB bacteria can lead to Tuberculosis. Tuberculosis risk factors include:

1. Working or living in spaces where people live close together, such as housing or correctional facilities
2. Travelling to a TB-ridden region
3. Being a healthcare worker who regularly interacts with and cares for people
4. Living with someone who has an active TB infection

Individuals who are at greater risk of getting an active TB infection include those who:

1. Have a weakened immune system
2. Have chronic illnesses, such as diabetes or kidney disease
3. Have undergone chemotherapy treatment for cancer
4. Have received an organ transplant
5. Regularly smoke, drink alcohol, or use drugs

Why Are Older Adults at Greater Risk of Tuberculosis?

Elderly people, especially those over the age of 65, have a greater risk of suffering from Tuberculosis.

One of the major risk factors for Tuberculosis in the elderly is their compromised immune system. As an individual reaches old age, their immune system weakens. This makes it harder for their body to fight TB bacteria and makes them more susceptible to TB infection and reactivation.

Other reasons why older adults suffer a greater likelihood of getting TB include:

1. Reaction to medication
2. Undergoing arthritis and cancer treatments
3. Potential drug resistance to antibodies used to treat TB
4. Underlying conditions that can increase risk of infection, such as diabetes

Additionally, TB is much more difficult to treat in old age.

What Are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis?

In its first stage, Tuberculosis can cause symptoms like low fever, coughing, and tiredness.

If the immune system fails to control the infection in the latent TB stage, the disease progresses into active Tuberculosis and can cause symptoms like:

1. Persistent coughing, including coughing up blood or mucus
2. Pain while coughing or breathing
3. Fever and chills
4. Night sweats
5. Loss of appetite
6. Weight loss
7. Fatigue
8. Chest pain

Symptoms of Tuberculosis develop gradually and progressively worsen over the preceding few weeks.

What Are the Causes of Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis causes mainly include different strains of a bacterium known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

These TB bacteria can spread when infected droplets enter the air and are inhaled by a person. These droplets can enter and spread through the air when an infected person:

1. Speaks
2. coughs
3. Sneezes

How is Tuberculosis Diagnosed? 

Healthcare professionals will often perform tests to check whether a person has been exposed to the TB bacteria. These tests can include:

1. A TB Skin Test to measure the immune system’s response to a PPD (purified protein derivative) solution injected into a person.
2. A TB Blood Test to measure the reaction that results from mixing the individual’s blood sample with TB antigens and controls in the laboratory.

These tests can only determine whether an individual has been exposed to the TB bacteria.

If the individual test results are positive, their healthcare professional may perform additional tests to distinguish between latent or active TB infection, such as:

1. Chest X-rays and
2. Laboratory tests of the person’s sputum sample

Elderly people are at much higher risk of getting Tuberculosis than their younger counterparts. Early diagnosis is vital to ensure they do not suffer from health complications.

Upon noticing signs of Tuberculosis, contact a healthcare professional and book a TB test with Dr Lal PathLabs

FAQs

1. What are some effective measures for the prevention of Tuberculosis?

Regular and thorough washing of hands, avoiding close contact with other people, regularly taking prescribed medication (if any), and avoiding public spaces when infected are effective ways to prevent contracting or spreading the TB bacteria. Another important preventative measure is getting vaccinated against Tuberculosis.

2. What are some effective methods for Tuberculosis management?

Healthcare professionals usually provide certain antibiotics to help affected individuals manage Tuberculosis. These medications usually need to be taken for six months or more for a full recovery. Additionally, individuals with an active TB infection should take proper measures, such as masking in public, to avoid spreading the bacteria to others.

3. Which vaccine is used for Tuberculosis?

The BCG vaccine (Bacille Calmette-Guerin) is administered in countries where Tuberculosis is prevalent to fight against TB, including India. This vaccine is part of the Indian government’s Universal Immunization Programme.