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Serious severity
· MD Medicine
Tuberculosis
TB · Mycobacterial lung infection
TB spreads through coughed droplets; without treatment it destroys the lungs. Six months of correct drugs cures 95% — completing the course is non-negotiable.
At a glance
- Prevalence
- Over 2 million Indian cases yearly
- Typical age
- Any age
- Outlook
- Curable with full course
- System
- Lungs
Reviewed by a verified MD Medicine doctor
What causes it
Causes
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis
- Close contact with active case
- HIV, diabetes, malnutrition
- Crowded living
- Smoking
How it feels
Symptoms & effects
- Cough over 2 weeks
- Evening fever, night sweats
- Weight loss, fatigue
- Blood in sputum
- Chest pain
How it’s treated
Treatment & cure
- GeneXpert sputum test
- 6-month standard regimen (RHZE → RH)
- Drug-resistant TB regimens
- DOTS — directly observed therapy
- Treat household contacts
Staying ahead
Prevention
- BCG vaccine in childhood
- Improve nutrition, ventilation
- Treat HIV, diabetes
- Cover mouth when coughing
- Screen contacts of cases
Do’s
- Complete the FULL 6-month course
- Take meds on empty stomach
- Mask in public during infectious phase
- Get HIV testing
Don’ts
- Skip doses when you feel better
- Buy TB drugs from random chemist
- Hide diagnosis from contacts
- Smoke during treatment
See a doctor immediately if
Symptoms are sudden or severe, getting worse despite home care, or interfering with sleep, work or daily life. Don’t self-diagnose from the internet — book a verified clinician below.
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Disclaimer ·
This article is educational and reviewed by clinicians, but it cannot replace an in-person assessment.
Medication doses, prevention advice and treatment choices vary by person. Always confirm with a doctor before acting on anything here.