Due to a complex mix of medical, social and economic factors, Tuberculosis still remains a severe health concern in India. Various factors like weak immunity, malnutrition, diabetes, and more, increase risk of infection. At the same time, overcrowded living conditions and high population density, make it easier for the infection to spread. We reached out to experts to understand why despite rapid development, tuberculosis still remains a major health threat in India.
TB remains a stable burden of morbidity
“Even now, a large proportion of patients present late in the course of the disease. Many patients arrive with complications, including extensive lung damage, weight loss, or a persistent cough that was left untreated for weeks or months. This lag is frequently attributable to ignorance or stigma. We witness a more or less constant number of cases of TB in both OPD and IPD every month, which suggests that TB remains a stable burden of morbidity in health care,” says Dr Puneet Gupta, Head – Pulmonology, Intervention Pulmonology & Sleep Medicine, Yatharth Hospital Noida Extension.
Add Zee News as a Preferred Source
Dr Gupta reveals, “Multidrug-resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) is a form of TB in which the causative bacteria are resistant to at least two of the most powerful first-line anti-TB drugs isoniazid and rifampicin. The treatment for MDR-TB is much more complicated than that for ordinary TB. It entails longer duration (usually 9-24 months), utilization of second-line drugs, which may have more side effects, and more intensive monitoring. Effective control of MDR-TB depends on early diagnosis and good compliance with treatment.”
Bacteria may become resistant to conventional drugs
“Inadequate treatment for TB is very hazardous. Patients who do not complete the course of antibiotics, the bacteria are not completely killed. The remaining tissue bacteria may become resistant to conventional drugs and thus the disease becomes drug resistant TB. It adds complexity and length to treatment, and also raises the risk of propagation of resistant strains in the community. It is essential to complete the full course of therapy even if symptoms resolve early,” he further reveals.
ALSO READ | WHO Urges Urgent Action To Eliminate Tuberculosis By 2030 Amid Rising Cases
Frequent misconceptions related to Tuberculosis
“One of the frequent misconceptions was that TB spreads by eating together or sharing utensils or through physical contact. TB, however, is an airborne disease, which is spread in droplets when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes or talks. Another misconception is that it is hereditary or it only affects certain people and that is not true. Such myths resulted in fear and stigma and the isolation of patients, often unconscionably,” reveals Dr Mayank Saxena, Additional director – pulmonology, Fortis Noida.
Dr Saxena says, “Tuberculosis can be prevented and cured, but only if it is detected early and treated adequately. Awareness among the public, screening in time and removal of stigma are essential in the control of TB. Patients should consult a doctor if they experience symptoms such as a long-lasting cough, fever or lose weight for no apparent reason. As providers, we’re not just trying to treat TB, we’re trying to get patients to finish therapy and get back to a healthy life.”
(This article is based on information available in the public domain and on input provided by experts consulted.)
