TB still a most contagious infection: Expert
Mohali: While sharing insights on awareness about TB, Deepak Basin senior director pulmonology, Max Hospital Mohali on Monday said that despite being a preventable and curable disease, TB remains one of the most contagious infections.,
He said, “Tuberculosis is an infection that primarily affects the lungs. While it can be treated with antibiotics, it can become serious if not addressed in time. The symptoms of TB usually develop gradually and may include a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks—often with mucus (phlegm) or blood—along with fatigue, high fever or night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and general discomfort,”
“It is crucial to undergo diagnostic tests if TB symptoms are suspected. These tests may include an X-ray, ultrasound, echocardiogram, or CT scan of the chest or the part of the body that may be affected, taking samples of mucus (phlegm), a biopsy to take a sample of tissue, cells, or fluid from the affected area.”
Speaking about the treatment of TB, Dr Deepak Basin said, “The primary treatment for TB is to take antibiotics for at least 6 months. If TB has spread to the brain, spinal cord, or the area around the heart, the patient may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks. It is crucial not to stop the treatment on your own. Patients should only discontinue medication upon the doctor’s advice”.
TB remains one of the world’s deadliest infectious diseases, but with timely diagnosis and proper treatment, it can be cured, maintained Dr Bhasin.
