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Side effects of TB treatment include hepatotoxicity, neuropathy, gastrointestinal issues, and long-term complications from prolonged antibiotic regimens. Patients also face stigma, isolation, and financial devastation from lost productivity and long treatment durations.

Our TB-Free India 2030 proposal mirrors this multi-pronged success model while adapting for scale, cost-efficiency, and cultural nuance. It introduces advanced digital tools (AI diagnostics, CRISPR testing), real-time adherence monitoring, and genomic surveillance to leapfrog existing gaps in India’s TB program.

Transmission of tuberculosis (TB) occurs mainly through person-to-person transfer. TB mainly attacks the lungs, but sometimes, other body organs also get involved (i.e., brain, spinal cord, or kidneys). Chest infections were postulated to be chiefly responsible for several clinical presentations: prolonged cough, chest pain, fever, night sweats, and, of course, loss of weight.

TB is very serious, and treatment is a course of antibiotics for months because hopefully, it will cure it entirely. Early diagnosis and treatment will enhance recovery and prevent passing on to other individuals.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Symptoms of TB are:

1. Persistent cough for over 3 weeks
2. Coughing and producing mucus or blood
3. Chest pain, especially when coughing or breathing
4. Unwanted weight loss
5. Weakness or fatigue
6. Fever
7. Night sweats
8. Chills
9. Loss of appetite
10. Swollen lymph nodes (specifically of the neck)
11. Shortness of breath (in advanced stages)

These symptoms will vary with or without the TB being active or latent, and where in the body it is situated.

Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or poor nutrition, are more vulnerable

Living in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces or close contact with someone who has active TB increases the risk. Smoking and substance abuse can also contribute to developing the disease.

1. Latent TB This is the form when the bacteria of TB are in the body but are inactive and bringing about no symptoms. You are not contagious, but the bacteria can become active later when your immune system is not able to handle them.
2. Active TB This is where the TB germs are growing and creating the symptoms. It infects other people through coughing and sneezing and will require treatment right away.
3. Pulmonary TB This one is the most common form of TB. It affects the lungs and thereby produces symptoms like a cough that does not go away, a pain in the chest, and spitting out mucus or blood.
4. Extrapulmonary TB Outside the lungs, such as in a lymph node, bone, kidney, or brain, it becomes more common than in those infected with HIV who have weakened immune systems. This is the most common type.
5. Drug-Resistant TB At times, some TB-causative organisms develop resistance towards the particular antibiotics meant to kill them. The same goes for MDR-TB; treatment of this type is much harder and longer compared with normal TB.

TB is an airborne disease that occurs when a person coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs. All these happen and are all from an active TB liver. Those close to them might inhale small drops containing the germs. Tuberculosis cannot be spread from the infected person by physical contact, by sharing and eating food and from the same plate, or by touching a surface. Being exposed to an active case of TB for some time might expose a person to TB. Treatment and detection should thus be done early to prevent transmission

1. Weak immunity– Those with comorbidities, such as HIV/AIDS, cancer, or diabetes, stand the highest chance of contracting TB.
2. Close exposure to the infected individual – Living or working in close quarters with someone suffering from active TB increases your probability of contracting it.
3. ²Ñ²¹±ô²Ô³Ü³Ù°ù¾±³Ù¾±´Ç²Ô– A proper diet will provide the body with the strength against diseases.
4. Smoking and drug abuse – These are lifestyle habits that will damage your lungs and lower your immunity.
5. Travel or residence in TB-endemic countries – Some nations have more TB, increasing your chances of getting exposed.
6. Healthcare professionals – Exposure to infected patients tends to be more probable for healthcare workers.

1. Medical History: They question your symptoms, exposure to TB, and your history.
2. Physical Exam: The doctor examines the lungs and looks for signs of infection.
3. Skin Test (TST): A small amount of the TB protein is injected into the skin, and the reaction is checked in about 48 - 72 hours.
4. Blood Test: It checks for a reaction of the body towards TB bacteria.
5. Chest X-ray: Help doctors search for scarring in your lungs or evidence of active TB.
6. Sputum Test: Your lung mucus samples are tested for TB bacteria.
7. PCR Test: A special lab test to search for TB bacteria's DNA in your sputum.

These are tests that are done to check if you have TB or not, and what would be done to you if you had it.

1. Isoniazid (Hyzyd®)
2. Rifampin (Rifadin®)
3. Ethambutol (Myambutol®)
4. Pyrazinamide (Zinamide®)
5. Rifapentine (Priftin®)

Recovery time

It will take weeks before you are cured that you will be able to feel less fatigued and have fewer symptoms. But longer to complete the entire course. You will have to continue taking your medicines for at least six to nine months.

When should I see my healthcare provider?

It is advised to undergo a checkup from your physician if you have indications such as a persistent cough, chest pain, fevers, night sweats, or sudden weight loss. It is compulsory for you to check with a physician if there has been close contact with someone suffering from tuberculosis or impaired immunity. Early diagnosis and treatment interventions prevent TB from extension onto the other individuals.

1. Get Tested: Having tests for tuberculosis at regular intervals to screen for the disease at early stages to avoid transmission.
2. Complete Treatment: If you contract TB, complete the course of treatment to avoid transmission as well as recurrence.
3. Cover Your Mouth: Coughing or sneezing with a mouth covered should be done in case of active tuberculosis to prevent bacterial transmission.
4. Wear a Mask: If you catch active TB, then use a mask to prevent the transmission of the bacteria to other persons
5. Ventilate Living Spaces: Ventilation shall be adequate in homes, workplaces, and public places, in order to reduce the level of airborne TB bacteria.
6. Avoid Close Contact: Staying away from people with active TB until such people are no longer infectious.
7. Vaccination: Elsewhere (not in the US, however), the BCG (Bacillus Calmette-Guerin) vaccine is used to protect against TB's more dangerous forms in children.
8. Healthy Lifestyle: A Healthy body for you will keep you safe from TB, and healthy living with proper diet and exercise is therefore required.
9. Treat Latent TB: In case you have latent TB (latent disease) already, a drug may be taken to ensure that it does not progress to active disease.