Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also affect other systems. It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Tuberculosis symptoms include a persistent cough (often with blood), chest pain, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and fatigue. Men are more affected by tuberculosis than women, with higher infection rates and mortality worldwide. Weakened immunity (HIV, diabetes, malnutrition), close contact with an infected person, smoking, and living in crowded or unsanitary conditions increase the risk of TB.
Tuberculosis treatment comprises a combination of drugs and may continue for a long period to eliminate bacteria and to avoid resistance against antibiotics used. Most patients recover completely from the disease. However, vulnerable patients, such as HIV-affected individuals or those with lower immunity, suffer from a severe type of disease.
In 2019, an estimated 10 million people suffered from tuberculosis, of which 2.6 million were Indians. Although the cases of TB in India are high, the Government provides support to all TB patients with programs such as NTEP, DOTS, and Nikshay patrika, which are aimed at improving treatment with free medicines and support.
