Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, spine, and kidneys (extrapulmonary TB).
While TB is a contagious disease, it is important to remember that it is completely curable with proper and complete medical treatment. At the Nova Hospital Meerut pulmonology department, we are dedicated to providing the national standard of care to help patients overcome TB and lead healthy lives.
How Does Tuberculosis Spread?
TB bacteria spread through the air from one person to another. When a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air. A healthy person can then become infected by inhaling these droplets.
It is important to know that not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. Some people have latent TB, where the bacteria remain inactive. They don't have symptoms and can't spread the disease. The goal is to treat active TB to cure the patient and stop the spread.
Common Symptoms of Active TB
If you have active TB, you may experience the following symptoms. It's crucial to see a doctor if they persist.
- A persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or longer.
- Coughing up blood or mucus (sputum).
- Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing.
- Unintentional weight loss and loss of appetite.
- Fever and night sweats.
- Fatigue and weakness.
Diagnosis of TB at Nova Hospital
An early and accurate diagnosis is critical. Our expert pulmonologists use a combination of tests to confirm TB:
- Sputum Smear Microscopy: A sample of your phlegm is examined under a microscope to look for TB bacteria. This is a key test for diagnosing active lung TB.
- Chest X-ray: An X-ray of your lungs can show changes or abnormalities suggestive of TB.
- Tuberculin Skin Test (Mantoux test) or IGRA Blood Test: These tests can show if your body has been infected with TB bacteria, but they don't distinguish between latent and active TB.
- CBNAAT/GeneXpert Test: A modern, rapid molecular test that detects TB bacteria and checks for resistance to certain drugs.
TB Treatment: The Path to a Complete Cure
The most important message about TB is that it is curable. Treatment involves a specific course of antibiotic medications taken for at least 6 to 9 months. It is absolutely essential to complete the entire course of medication as prescribed by your doctor.
DOTS (Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course)
At Nova Hospital, we follow the nationally recommended DOTS strategy. This is the most effective way to ensure a complete cure.
- Under DOTS, a healthcare provider or a trained volunteer observes you as you take your medication every day or several times a week.
- This ensures you never miss a dose, which is crucial for curing the disease and preventing the development of drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB), a much more dangerous and difficult-to-treat form of the disease.
Meet Our Experts in this Field
Dr. Vikrant Solanki
View ProfileWhy Choose Nova Hospital for Tuberculosis Treatment in Meerut?
Your search for the best doctor for TB in Meerut ends at Nova Hospital. We provide a supportive and effective treatment environment.
- Expert Pulmonologists: Our lung specialists are highly experienced in diagnosing and managing all forms of TB.
- Accurate & Fast Diagnostics: Our in-house lab and imaging services provide quick and reliable test results.
- DOTS Centre Adherence: We strictly follow the government-recommended DOTS protocol, which is the gold standard for TB treatment.
- Patient Privacy & Counseling: We understand the social stigma associated with TB and provide confidential care, counseling, and support throughout your treatment journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. TB is completely curable if the patient takes the prescribed medications regularly for the full duration recommended by the doctor (usually 6-9 months).
Stopping treatment early is extremely dangerous. The TB bacteria can become active again, and you can become sick. More importantly, it can lead to the development of Drug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB), which is much harder and more expensive to treat.
You may need to stay home and limit contact with others for the first few weeks of treatment while you are still contagious. Your doctor will advise you when it is safe to return to work or school.
DOTS stands for Directly Observed Treatment, Short-course. It is a highly effective strategy where a healthcare worker physically watches you swallow your TB medicines to ensure you complete your treatment successfully.
The BCG vaccine offers some protection, especially for children. The best way to prevent the spread of TB is for people with active TB to seek treatment, cover their mouths when coughing, and take their medicine as prescribed.