24th March the day in 1982 when Dr Robert Koch announced that he had  discovered the cause of the tuberculosis, the mycobacterium tuberculosis bacilli.  Every year, this day is celebrated as “Word TB day” used to promote awareness about tuberculosis in the community and its health, social economical consequences.

Each day, nearly 4500 people lose their lives to TB and close to 30,000 people fall ill with this preventable and curable disease. Dr. Anjali Khalane, Pulmonology Consultant at Ruby Hall Clinic Hinjawadi explains Tuberculosis in detail.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack lungs but TB can attack any part of the body such as the kidney, spine, brain skin and lymph nodes.

How does TB spreads?

Tb is an airbone disease which spreads from person to another person through air when person having tuberculosis disease coughs, sneezes, speaks.

What are it’s most common symptoms?

• A bad cough that lasts 2-3 weeks or longer
• Pain in the chest
• Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)

Other symptoms of TB disease areweakness or fatigue

• weight loss
• no appetite
• chills
• fever
• sweating at night

Who is at the risk?

• Close contacts of tuberculosis patient.
• People infected with HIV.
• Had infection with TB in previous 2 yrs.
• Infants, young children and elderly people.
• Having other health problems like diabetes, kidney failure
• Alcoholics and drug abuse.
• People who were not treated correctly for TB in the past.

How to prevent spread of Tubeculosis?

Person with lung tuberculosis can spread disease to others so he can stay at home while on  TB treatment. Cover his mouth and nose with hancky or tissue while coughing, sneezing and talking and wash hands.

How TB is diagnosed?

Most important test to diagnose TB   in suspected person is Sputum test for TB germs, Chest Xay and Skin tast ( Montoux test) are also done.

For non lung TB affected tissue sample is sent for testing which detects TB germ.

Is TB curable?

Yes, drug sensitive TB is 100% curable with proper treatment.

How to take treatment?

Consult your chest specialist for treatment. Four medicines are given for usually 6 months. Regular treatment and follow up is necessary. Treatment for Tb is also available at all Government hospitals and healthcare centre under name DOTS.