Together we can put an end to TB.

Tuberculosis is one of the top ten causes of death worldwide. The TB bacteria usually spread in the air when a person with the disease coughs, sneezes, speaks or sings. When a person has TB bacteria in his body in very small numbers, the condition is called Latent TB. A person with latent TB might not manifest any symptoms, as the immune system keeps the bacteria under control. However, if your immune system is weak there are chances that the bacteria become active and multiply to cause TB disease.

According to World Health Organisation, over 4000 people lose their lives each day and around 30,000 people fall sick due to TB. World Tuberculosis Day is celebrated on 24th March, the date when Dr. Robert Koch discovered the bacterium that causes Tuberculosis in 1882, which opened the way towards diagnosis and cure for the disease. So on this World Tuberculosis Day let’s raise awareness about tuberculosis and the importance of regular checkups to avoid getting the disease. It is a serious infectious disease that can spread from one person to another through droplets released into the air while sneezing or coughing.

Risk factors

People living in poor conditions: The influence of tuberculosis based on living conditions is evident, as the risk of getting the disease increases with overcrowding or poorly ventilated homes. This is because when you live in dark or dusty conditions, where you do not get enough heat, the bacteria won’t get killed by the sunlight.

Age: All age groups can be at risk of tuberculosis, however, it majorly affects adults during their most productive years.

HIV: People with HIV are more likely to develop active TB and it is a serious health threat to them.

Drug users: Drug users are more likely to contract TB as the use of drugs undermine their immune system which makes them vulnerable to tuberculosis infection.

Healthcare workers: The chances of getting TB infection are more among the healthcare workers who are in regular contact with ill patients. So it is necessary for them to follow safety protocols like wearing a mask and hand sanitizing regularly.

Symptoms and signs

Symptoms of tuberculosis generally depend on which organ is infected. Though it usually affects the lungs, it can also affect our kidneys, spine, fallopian tubes, and brain. Symptoms of active tuberculosis are usually related to the respiratory system. You may experience coughing that lasts for three or more weeks. Other symptoms include; coughing of blood, chest pain, fatigue, fever, weight loss, and more.

If you experience any of these symptoms, you must visit a professional doctor who can advise the best tests to determine your problem.

TB is a deadly disease that is prevalent in our country even today. Many people who get tested positive for latent TB manifest no symptoms, however, early treatment during the initial stages can help you to avoid developing active tuberculosis. So, get yourself tested with us and stay protected from tuberculosis.