One of the most dreaded infectious diseases, tuberculosis, often starts slowly with an occasional cough that lingers longer than expected. However, the mild discomfort may later turn into a deep, persistent cough that refuses to go away. As it progresses, it brings along fatigue, excessive sweat, weight loss, fever and weakness, making even simple tasks feel exhausting.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also impact other parts of the body. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a leading cause of death across the world. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID) explains the importance of understanding and addressing TB.
Here are six essential facts about TB:
Also read | Tuberculosis returns as top infectious disease killer: WHO
- Causes of TB and how it spreads:
According to the NIAID, TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb). It spreads through the air when someone with active TB of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings, releasing bacteria that others can inhale. Not everyone exposed to Mtb becomes sick; some may develop latent TB infection, where the bacteria remain inactive without causing symptoms or being contagious.
2. Symptoms of TB
Not everyone with TB bacteria gets sick. Many have latent TB with no symptoms and can’t spread it, suggests WHO. But if TB becomes active, symptoms can take months to appear, making it easy to pass the infection without realising it. The most common signs include a long-lasting cough (sometimes with blood), chest pain, weakness, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. TB mainly affects the lungs but can also spread to the kidneys, brain, spine, or skin, leading to different symptoms depending on the area infected.
Also read | Childhood lung diseases: Prevent asthma, tuberculosis, pneumonia with this detailed guide for parents
3. Difference between latent TB and active TB disease:
Those with latent TB carry the bacteria but don't exhibit symptoms and can't spread the disease. However, without treatment, latent TB can progress to active TB disease, especially in those with weakened immune systems. Active TB is symptomatic and contagious, requiring prompt medical attention.
4. Risk factors:
Certain health conditions can make you more likely to develop active TB. If you have diabetes, a weak immune system (such as from HIV/AIDS), poor nutrition, or habits like smoking and heavy drinking, your body may struggle to fight off TB bacteria. Babies and young children are also at higher risk since their immune systems are still developing.
5. Global impact of TB:
According to the World Health Organization (WHO), 1.25 million people died from tuberculosis (TB) in 2023, including 161,000 with HIV. TB has likely returned as the world’s leading infectious disease killer, surpassing COVID-19. In 2023, around 10.8 million people fell ill with TB, affecting men, women, and children across all countries and age groups. TB is curable and preventable, yet drug-resistant TB remains a serious global health threat, with only 40 percent of affected patients receiving treatment. Since 2000, global efforts have saved 79 million lives, but $22 billion per year is needed to meet TB prevention and treatment goals by 2027. Ending TB by 2030 is part of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Also read | Tuberculosis can spread through air, follow these hygiene practices to prevent spread
6. Challenges with drug-resistant TB:
While effective treatments for TB exist, the emergence of drug-resistant strains poses significant challenges. These strains don't respond to standard medications, making infections harder to treat and control.
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don’t treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
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