What is TB and how does it spread?
Tuberculosis is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly attacks the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can affect any organ — lymph nodes, spine, brain, abdomen.
TB spreads through the air when an untreated patient coughs or sneezes. Casual contact is usually not enough — close, prolonged indoor contact is the main risk. Once a patient is on correct treatment for 2 weeks, they are usually no longer infectious.
Early symptoms — what to watch for
- Cough lasting more than 2 weeks
- Low-grade evening fever, often with chills
- Night sweats — drenching, requiring change of clothes
- Unexplained weight loss over weeks to months
- Loss of appetite and fatigue
- Coughing up blood-streaked sputum (haemoptysis)
- Chest pain or breathlessness
Any combination of these — especially in someone with a known TB contact — should be evaluated immediately.
The Indian guideline is clear — any cough longer than 2 weeks should be tested for TB. Testing is quick, inexpensive and life-saving.
How TB is diagnosed
Modern TB diagnosis combines several quick tests:
- Sputum microscopy — looks for TB bacteria in cough sample
- CBNAAT / Truenat (PCR) — molecular test that also detects rifampicin resistance
- Chest X-ray — shows lung changes typical of TB
- HRCT chest when X-ray is inconclusive
- Blood tests — ESR, sugar, HIV screening (TB and diabetes/HIV often coexist)
- Mantoux / IGRA — useful for latent TB, not active disease
For TB outside the lungs (lymph node, abdomen, spine), a tissue biopsy or fluid sample is usually needed.
The treatment journey
Treatment of drug-sensitive pulmonary TB is well-standardised:
- Intensive phase (2 months) — four drugs daily (HRZE)
- Continuation phase (4 months) — three or two drugs (HRE or HR)
- Total duration: 6 months for most uncomplicated cases
Drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB) needs longer, individualised regimens lasting 9–20 months under specialist supervision.
Why some patients fail treatment
- Stopping medicine when feeling better — the leading cause of relapse and drug-resistance
- Missing doses — even occasionally
- Not addressing diabetes — uncontrolled sugar weakens TB response
- Alcohol or smoking during treatment
- Drug side-effects not reported — these are manageable when caught early
What family members should do
- All close household contacts should be screened — symptoms check + chest X-ray
- Children under 5 and immunocompromised contacts may need preventive treatment
- Improve ventilation at home — sunlight and fresh air kill TB bacteria
- The patient should cover mouth when coughing; mask use in the first 2 weeks helps reduce spread
TB is free under the National TB Programme
All TB drugs and most tests are free of cost at government DOTS centres in Bharuch. Private chest specialists can also notify your case to the programme, so you continue to benefit from free drugs, nutritional support (Nikshay Poshan Yojana) and follow-up monitoring.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is TB curable?
Yes. Drug-sensitive TB is fully curable with a 6-month course of medicines. Even drug-resistant TB is now curable with newer regimens, though treatment is longer.
Can I stop TB medicines once I feel better?
Absolutely not. Stopping early is the leading cause of TB relapse and the creation of drug-resistant TB. Complete the full prescribed duration even when you feel completely well.
How long is a TB patient infectious?
Most patients with drug-sensitive pulmonary TB become non-infectious within 2 weeks of starting correct treatment. Family members should still be screened.
Does TB always show on a chest X-ray?
No. Early TB, lymph-node TB and other extra-pulmonary forms may not appear on a chest X-ray. Sputum testing and sometimes a CT scan are essential.
Are TB tests and medicines available free in Bharuch?
Yes. All TB drugs and most tests are free under the National TB Elimination Programme. Private specialists can notify your case so you receive the same free drug supply and nutritional support.