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Tuberculosis, or TB, may sound like a disease from the past, but it still claims more lives worldwide than any other infectious disease. Despite major medical advances, TB continues to spread silently, affecting millions every year. This blog explains why TB remains a serious global health threat, how it spreads, the signs you shouldn’t ignore, and how early treatment can save lives.
At Continental Hospitals, we are committed to early detection, precise treatment, and patient education to fight TB effectively.
What Is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mostly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, or kidneys. TB spreads through the air when someone with active TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes, or talks.
Unlike many infections, TB can stay in the body in an inactive form, known as latent TB. People with latent TB have no symptoms and are not contagious. However, the infection can become active years later, especially if your immune system becomes weak.
Why TB Is Still a Global Threat
Despite being preventable and curable, TB remains the world’s deadliest infectious disease due to a mix of reasons:
Late Diagnosis: Many people don’t realize they have TB until it becomes severe. Early symptoms can be mild and easily mistaken for other illnesses.
Drug Resistance: Some forms of TB do not respond to standard medicines. Drug-resistant TB is harder to treat and requires longer and stronger treatments.
Poverty and Overcrowding: TB spreads faster in crowded places with poor ventilation. People living in such conditions often lack access to quality healthcare.
Stigma and Misinformation: Many people avoid getting tested due to fear or shame. This delays diagnosis and increases the risk of spreading TB.
How Does TB Spread?
TB is highly contagious, but it doesn’t spread through touch, food, or water. It spreads through tiny droplets released when someone with TB in the lungs coughs or sneezes. If you spend a lot of time near someone with active TB, you are more likely to get infected.
However, not everyone who gets infected develops active TB. Your body’s immune system usually fights the bacteria, keeping it inactive. That’s why regular screening is important if you are at risk.
Who Is at Risk?
You are more likely to develop active TB if you:
- Have a weak immune system (e.g., due to HIV, diabetes, cancer, or malnutrition)
- Live or work in crowded conditions
- Smoke or have chronic lung disease
- Are very young or elderly
Have close contact with someone who has active TB
Symptoms of Active TB
TB symptoms develop slowly, often over weeks or months. Common signs include:
- Persistent cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain while breathing or coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
If TB spreads to other parts of the body, it may cause other symptoms such as back pain, swollen lymph nodes, or confusion.
TB in India: A Closer Look
India has one of the highest numbers of TB cases in the world. Despite national TB control programs, the disease continues to spread, especially in urban and semi-urban areas. Awareness, early diagnosis, and proper treatment remain the most powerful tools to reduce TB-related deaths in the country.
How Is TB Diagnosed?
TB can be diagnosed through:
- Chest X-rays to check for lung damage
- Sputum tests to detect TB bacteria
- Blood tests or skin tests for TB exposure
- CT scans or biopsies for TB outside the lungs
Early diagnosis can prevent severe complications and reduce the chance of spreading the infection.
How Is TB Treated?
TB treatment usually involves a combination of antibiotics taken over several months. It is crucial to take the medicines exactly as prescribed and complete the full course, even if you start feeling better. Skipping doses or stopping early can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is harder and costlier to treat.
Doctors may adjust your treatment plan based on your age, health condition, and the type of TB you have.
How to Protect Yourself and Others
Get tested if you have symptoms or have been exposed to TB
- Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing
- Keep rooms well-ventilated
- Take all prescribed medicines if you have TB
- Encourage friends or family to get tested if needed
- Eat healthy, manage stress, and stay active to support your immune system
Why Choose Continental Hospitals for TB Care?
At Continental Hospitals, we understand the seriousness of TB and its impact on individuals and families. Here’s how we help:
- Expert Pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists with years of experience
- Advanced diagnostic tools to detect even complex or drug-resistant TB
- Personalised treatment plans based on your health needs
- Infection control systems to keep patients and staff safe
- Continuous care and counselling to ensure treatment success
- Patient education to raise awareness and prevent reinfection
- Our goal is to detect TB early, treat it effectively, and help patients recover completely without stigma or delay.
Conclusion
TB is not just a disease of the past — it’s a present-day challenge that still takes millions of lives. The good news is that TB is preventable and curable with the right care at the right time. If you notice symptoms or have been in close contact with someone who has TB, don’t wait.
Concerned about TB symptoms? Consult our best pulmonologist at Continental Hospitals for expert diagnosis and care.
