40 per cent of India is infected with TB; health experts share tips to stay safe

Tuberculosis is the worldrsquos most infectious disease Given that India may have already surpassed China to become the worldrsquos most populated country it is not surprising to know that a considerable population in India is infected with Tuberculosis TB For a disease so widespread the level of awareness is comparatively poorOn World Tuberculosis Day Midday Online approached a few health experts and doctors with some key questions most of us have about TBHaving a strong immunity is the best way to stay protected from TB says Dr Pujan Parikh consultant pulmonary Medicine Department Sir HN Reliance Foundation Hospital Girgaon He adds although 40 per cent of India is infected with TB only 10 per cent develop or suffer from the diseaseWhat is TBDr Sanggita Checker Consultant Chest Physician Wockhardt Hospitals Mira Road explains that Tuberculosis or TB is a contagious infection that is known to attack onersquos lungs and leads to higher mortality and morbidity rates if not tackled at the right time Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the bacteria known to cause TBCommon Symptoms to check forDr Parikh states that the symptoms are divided into two parts the generalised and organspecific symptomsThe generalised symptoms include a lowgrade fever that mostly develops in the evening weight loss loss of appetite sweating during the night and fatigueThose suffering from organspecific or pulmonary relating to lungs TB complain of a persistent cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks sometimes throwing up blood while coughing chest pain and difficulty in breathingPeople having these symptoms must consult a doctorTransmissionTB is majorly an airborne disease which means the chances of transmission are high Dr Parikh says ldquoanyone suffering from TB can spread the infection at a maximum rate in the first two weeks after they develop the disease The rate of transmission goes down significantly two weeks after starting the treatmentPatients suffering from TB must be very careful Using a face mask to cover the mouth is a must Although transmission occurs through coughing they should also avoid sharing food or the same cutlery with others during the initial stagesDiagnosesTo diagnose pulmonary TB sputum a coughedup mix of saliva and mucus examination and chest xray are the basic tests Chest xrays help to monitor the changes in the lungs Doctors also take other tests like CT scans USG and bronchoscopy to diagnose TBTreatmentAfter getting diagnosed with TB patients must begin their treatment immediately for good results ldquoTuberculosis is treated with various medications Bacille CalmetteGueacuterin BCG is a vaccine that helps prevent severe forms of TB To tackle Tuberculosis one must take medication as suggested by the doctor get enough rest stay hydrated and eat nutritious foodrdquo says Dr CheckerDietary requirements and restrictionsDoctors stress the importance of having a nutrition and proteinrich diet which strengthens the immune system Dr Rohan K Aurangabadwalla Consultant and Head Department of Pulmonary Medicine Medicover Hospitals Navi Mumbai says ldquopeople must consume vegetables rich with antioxidants like Carrots Peppers and fruits like Tomatoes Blueberries and Cherries Guava Gooseberry Amla nuts and seeds as they contain Vitamins A C and E that yield great benefits for our overall healthrdquoDr Checker named a few food items that everyone must include in the diet1 Eggs2 Millets like Jowar Bajra and Nachni3 Tofu4 Soya chunks5 Wheat germ6 Mushrooms7 Fruits like Oranges Mango Papaya and Sweet pumpkin8 Foods with B complex like Salmon Tuna Mackerel Sardines and ChickenDoctors are of the opinion that regular intake of these food items can help keep TB at bayDr Aurangabadwalla lists down foods and beverages that must be strictly avoided by those suffering from TB1 Excessive consumption of tea and coffee especially with food2 Carbonated drinks3 Spicy oily and salty foods4 Processed canned and fast food5 Tobacco and tobacco products especially smoking6 Alcohol in any form as it increases the risk of drug toxicityWho is at a higher risk of the diseaseTB can impact people of any gender and any age group However Dr Parikh says those having health concerns like Asthma Bronchitis or other respiratory issues poor immunity Diabetes HIV infection and alcoholism are at a higher risk of TBCan TB be eradicatedDoctors say the complete eradication of TB is difficult considering the current scenarioDr Parikh says ldquodelay in diagnosis and treatment reluctance to start treatment on time side effects of multiple Anti TB drugs and drug resistance are hurdles to eradicate TB Besides the duration of treatment for a severe form of TB is 1824 monthsrdquoldquoThe eradication process would require dedicated efforts on the part of the government and community including doctors and patients to achieve the samerdquo adds Dr AurangabadwallaWe must note that there is no vaccine yet that guarantees a 100 per cent cure for TB BCG vaccines are given in India however as mentioned earlier they only prevent the severity of TB The vaccine does not stop the transmission of TB eitherWhat are the precautionary measures we can take for TB infectionAdopting a nutritious diet is inarguably a must However Dr Checker also advises avoiding crowded places frequently washing hands disinfecting touched surfaces wearing a mask and maintaining a safe distance from peopleIt is also important to wear a mask around people suffering from active Tuberculosis You must also take the necessary vaccine after consulting a doctorSince it is a widespread disease a significant stigma is attached to it People have various misconceptions about the spread and the cure for the disease Our health experts have debunked the five most common misconceptions revolving around TBMyth People with persistent cough have TBFact That is not always the case There can be various reasons for coughing the most common one being viral fluMyth A recovered TB patient cannot be reinfectedFact Reinfection is possible in TB Reactivation too can take place To avoid this it is crucial to get the right and adequate treatment and complete the course of medicationsMyth TB cannot be cured and is fatalFact TB can be cured if detected on time with proper and adequate medicationsMyth TB is highly contagious throughout the treatmentFact TB medication reduces the risk of transmissionMyth TB is also hereditaryFact TB is not hereditary as genetics donrsquot have any part to play in transmission or the development of the condition One can get TB if heshe is around someone who is known to have TBAlso Read Can dental cleaning damage your teeth and gums