1. In advanced cases coughing of blood Lung TB is the most common
Tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic infectious disease caused by bacteria that needs medical attention
Common sites for TB
SYMPTOMS OF TB
Persistent cough
Weight Loss
Fatigue and tiredness
Loss of breath
Loss of appetite
In advanced cases coughing of blood
Lung TB is the most common
Normal person breathing the germs from infected person
Person with TB who is not getting treatment
How is TB spread?
TB germs are spread through the air. A person with untreated TB germs can spread it into the air by coughing, sneezing or speaking. People who breathe these germs can become affected. But they usually contract TB only after prolonged contact with the person with TB.
But if this infected person starts taking treatment for TB then he/she will stop spreading the TB germs within a week of taking the proper medicines. So it is very crucial that people with TB start their treatment at the earliest – not only do they get cured easily but they also prevent the spread of the disease to other people
Talk to your Village health worker immediately and see a doctor. TB treatment is free in the Government health centers and clinics
What do I do if I think I have TB? Will I be able to afford treatment?

2. Treating TB Tests done for TB Medicines and duration of treatment
Some of the common tests for TB are
Skin test called Mantoux test where a needle is pricked on the skin. If after 24 to 48 hours there is a swelling then there is a chance that the person is infected with TB
X-Ray of the lung is the most widely used method to determine damage to the lungs due to TB
Sputum test shows if TB germs are present in the thick liquid a patient coughs up.
Medicines and duration of treatment
Most people start with 4 pills for TB. These pills have to be taken every day. At the end of 2 months the pills are sometimes reduced to 2
The duration of treatment varies from 4 to 6 months
TB germs are very strong and you need 6 months for ALL TB germs to be completely destroyed from the body. So although you might feel better in 2 weeks, it is very critical to finish the treatment for the entire 6 months!
Side effects
TB medicines are quite safe and most people do not have any side effects. But in some case there might be side effects like
Nausea/ Vomitting
Dark urine (Orange color urine is normal with some medicines)
Unexplained fever
Stomach cramps
Loss of appetite
Problems with eyesight
Unexplained fatigue
When you notice any such changes, notify your health worker. The health worker/doctor might suggest a change in how you take the medicines
Diet for a TB patient
A TB patient needs to get a lot of rest and should eat good, healthy food. No special diet is needed, but nutritious diet based on what is available is essential
Avoid smoking and alcohol
6 months! That is a long time. I am already feeling better in 2 weeks. Should I still take my medicines?
Chest X-Ray
Mantoux test

3. Myths about TB and the truths
Oh I am sick with TB! Now I am certainly going to die
THE TRUTH
TB is no longer a killer disease. While it is still a serious illness these days TB is easily curable. It is important to get medical attention so that it can be treated at the earliest.
I don’t have to worry about TB. It affects only the poor!
THE TRUTH
TB can affect anyone – rich or poor and is not something exclusive to the poor as it is commonly believed. It is true that the number of poor people with TB is more than the rich. This is very often because of their low level of nutrition which leads to a weak immune system.
I am so afraid of catching TB. Maybe I should avoid crowded areas and stop using the bus!
THE TRUTH
While TB is certainly spread through germs in the air from an untreated person, occasional contact like in the bus or in the road will not cause the spread. Prolonged contact with an infected person is very often the main reason for catching TB
Now that I have TB, no one will come near me and I have to live alone and away from my family
THE TRUTH
TB patients do NOT need to be isolated from others provided they start taking their medicines. TB can spread only if the patient does not take the necessary medicines. TB does not spread by touching or using the same utensils. Except for small babies, friends and families of the patient can live in the same house as the patient and lend their support in every way they can. The patient should cover his mouth and nose when sneezing or coughing as a precaution

4. What to do if someone in your family has TB?
Why do I need to see the doctor/health worker regularly during treatment for TB?
It is important to see the doctor or the health worker regularly because
They will confirm if the medicines are working and the disease is not spreading
They will check you for any possible side effects
In some towns and villages you might have to see the health worker on a daily basis as she will make sure you take your medicines every day without fail. Frequently forgetting to take the TB medicines is one of the main reasons that people do not get cured of TB. Remember the medicines have to be taken EVERY DAY FOR 6 MONTHS!!
What to do if someone in your family has TB?
Take the person to the Government health center soon and make sure he/she starts taking the medicines immediately and continues to take the medicine regularly
Make sure that the person with TB always closes his nose and mouth when sneezing, or coughing
If there is a small baby in your family, make sure that the baby does not come in contact with the person with TB
Make sure that the rest of the family is eating well and staying healthy. You don’t have to separate yourself from the patient as long as the patient is taking his medicines regularly.
Preventing TB
The only way to avoid TB is by making sure you have a good immune system which is usually developed by eating healthy balanced food.
People with AIDS have very weak immune systems so they are very prone to TB. Avoiding AIDS is one of the easiest way to avoid TB