444 TUBERCULOSIS AND ITS PREVENTION 



the disease is probably inherited. People who know there is a 

 history of tuberculosis in the family should be especially careful to 

 live very hygienically. When this is done, they are not likely to 

 contract the disease. Poor environment is a predisposing cause of 

 tuberculosis. If a mother has contracted the disease, her child is 

 likely to live in the same environment and will probably contract 

 the disease. For the good of the child, it should be taken from its 

 parents in such cases, so that it can build up a strong resistance. 



Symptoms of tuberculosis. The symptoms are several. Fever, 

 especially in the afternoon, even in earlier stages before coughing 

 has started, habitual coughing and spitting, poor appetite, faulty 

 digestion, and steady loss of weight are usually indicative of an 

 infection. 



Diagnosis. Diagnosis consists of a microscopic examination of 

 the sputum for the bacilli. A careful examination of the general 

 physical condition including an X-ray examination of the lungs 

 is made. The X-ray photograph will show any scar tissue. A 

 tuberculin test is sometimes made. This is given by putting toxins, 

 squeezed from tuberculosis germs, under the skin of the suspected 

 patient. If the disease is present in the patient, there will be an 

 increase in fever and pulse, an increase of inflammation of the 

 affected part, and a redness at the point of infection. A nega- 

 tive test is conclusive proof of the absence of the disease. A 

 positive test may indicate a past as well as a present infection. 

 Since a positive reaction may be obtained from nearly every 

 adult, the test is chiefly valuable for young children. 



The tuberculin test for cattle has been used for years. Accord- 

 ing to laws in some states, state inspectors test the dairy cows. 

 ^^^len the test shows the presence of the disease, the cow is killed 

 and the farmer is partially reimbursed for the loss. All states 

 do not have this law. Some states have such laws, but let the 

 townships decide whether or not they will be enforced. 



Spread of tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is spread in innumerable 



