JNUH

Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that most often affect the lungs. Tuberculosis is curable and preventable.

People infected with TB bacteria have a 5–10% lifetime risk of falling ill with TB. Those with compromised immune systems, such as people living with HIV, malnutrition or diabetes, or people who use tobacco, have a higher risk of falling ill.

Book an Appointment View Speciality

Although your body can harbor the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, your immune system usually can prevent you from becoming sick. For this reason, doctors make a distinction between:

  • Latent TB. You have a TB infection, but the bacteria in your body are inactive and cause no symptoms. Latent TB, also called inactive TB or TB infection, isn't contagious. Latent TB can turn into active TB, so treatment is important.
  • Active TB. Also called TB disease, this condition makes you sick and, in most cases, can spread to others. It can occur weeks or years after infection with the TB bacteria.

Signs and symptoms of active TB include:

  • Coughing for two or more weeks
  • Coughing up blood or mucus
  • Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
  • Unintentional weight loss
  • Fatigue
  • Fever
  • Night sweats
  • Chills
  • Loss of appetite

The people who have an increased risk of tuberculosis be screened for latent TB infection. This recommendation includes people who:

  • Have HIV/AIDS
  • Use IV drugs
  • Are in contact with infected people
  • Are from a country where TB is common, such as several countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia
  • Live or work in areas where TB is common, such as prisons or nursing homes
  • Work in health care and treat people with a high risk of TB
  • Are children who are exposed to adults at risk of TB

Drug-resistant TB

Tuberculosis also remains a major killer because of the increase in drug-resistant strains. Over time, some TB germs have developed the ability to survive despite medications. This is partly because people don't take their drugs as directed or don't complete the course of treatment.

Several conditions and medications can weaken your immune system, including:

  • HIV/AIDS
  • Diabetes
  • Severe kidney disease
  • Certain cancers
  • Cancer treatment, such as chemotherapy
  • Drugs to prevent rejection of transplanted organs
  • Some drugs used to treat rheumatoid arthritis, Crohn's disease and psoriasis
  • Malnutrition or low body weight
  • Very young or advanced age
  • Using substances - IV drugs or excessive alcohol use weakens your immune system and makes you more vulnerable to tuberculosis.
  • Using tobacco - Tobacco use greatly increases the risk of getting TB and dying of it.
  • Working in health care - Regular contact with people who are ill increases your chances of exposure to TB bacteria. Wearing a mask and frequent hand-washing greatly reduce your risk.
  • Living or working in a residential care facility - People who live or work in prisons, homeless shelters, psychiatric hospitals or nursing homes are all at a higher risk of tuberculosis due to overcrowding and poor ventilation.
  • Living with someone infected with TB - Close contact with someone who has TB increases your risk.
  • Monteux test
  • Chest X ray
  • HRCT Thorax
  • AFB Stain
  • CBNAAT
  • Culture

ATT

Consult with experienced Doctors

JNU is home to some of the most eminent doctors in the world, most of whom are pioneers in their respective arenas and are renowned for developing innovative and revolutionary procedures
Brij Behari Mathur

Dr. Brij Behari Mathur

Professor & Head

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Munavver Ali

Dr. Munavver Ali

Associate Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Jaypal Singh Chahar

Dr. Jaypal Singh Chahar

Assistant Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
Rahul Gupta

Dr. Rahul Gupta

Assistant Professor

Qualification

MBBS, MD

Book an Appointment
close
close
close
close