What is tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can also involve lymph nodes, bones, brain, kidneys, or other organs.
Why is TB still a major challenge in India?
India has the largest number of TB patients in the world.
Reasons include:
Large population
Crowded living conditions
Malnutrition
Diabetes and other illnesses that weaken immunity
Delayed diagnosis and incomplete treatment.
How is TB diagnosed?
Doctors use several tests:
Sputum examination for TB bacteria
CBNAAT/GeneXpert test
Chest X-ray
Culture tests
Tests for extrapulmonary TB if needed
Early diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment.
Why is World TB Day observed on 24 March?
World TB Day marks the day in 1882 when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the TB bacterium, a major breakthrough that helped doctors understand and treat the disease.
What are the common symptoms of TB?
The most important symptoms are:
Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
Fever, especially evening fever
Night sweats
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
Blood in sputum. Any person with these symptoms should seek medical evaluation.
How does TB spread?
TB spreads through the air. When a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, or speaks, tiny droplets containing TB bacteria may be inhaled by others. However, TB usually requires prolonged close contact for transmission.
Can TB affect organs other than the lungs?
Yes. TB can affect many parts of the body, including:
Lymph nodes
Spine and bones
Brain (TB meningitis)
Abdomen
Kidneys
This is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis. In fact, every part of the body except hair and nails can be affected by tuberculosis.
Is TB curable?
Yes, TB is completely curable if treated properly. Most patients recover fully when they take medicines regularly for the full course of treatment.
What is the treatment for TB?
TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics for 6 months or longer.
Common medicines include:
Isoniazid
Rifampicin
Pyrazinamide
Ethambutol
Treatment is provided free of cost under the Government of India’s National TB Elimination Programme (NΤΕΡ).
What is drug-resistant TB?
Drug-resistant TB occurs when TB bacteria become resistant to standard medicines.
Examples:
MDR-TB (multidrug-resistant TB)
XDR-TB (extensively drug-resistant TB)
This usually happens when treatment is irregular or incomplete.
How can TB be prevented?
Prevention includes:
Early detection and treatment
Good nutrition
Adequate ventilation in homes
Covering the mouth while coughing
BCG vaccination in children
What message should people remember on World TB Day?
TB is preventable and curable. Persistent cough, fever, or unexplained weight loss should never be ignored. Early diagnosis and complete treatment can save lives and help India achieve the goal of eliminating TB in the coming years
Author: Dr Jay Deshmukh
Dr Jay Deshmukh is Chief Physician and Director, Sunflower Hospital, Nagpur Honorary Physician to Honorable Governor of Maharashtra and PondicherryCentral. Dr Jay Deshmukh is an M.B.B.S., M.C.P.S., F.C.P.S., M.N.A.M.S., MD From Internal Medicine – Bombay and New Delhi.
