TB (Tuberculosis) Frequently Asked Questions

Tuberculosis( TB) is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, although it can also damage the feathers, chine, and brain. When an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, bitsy driblets containing the bacteria.

Q1: What are the common symptoms of tuberculosis?

Ans: Breathlessness, Swollen lymph nodes, Persistent cough, Chest pain, Fatigue and weakness, Weight loss, Night sweats, Loss of appetite, Fever.

Q2: How is tuberculosis transmitted from person to person?

Ans: Tuberculosis (TB) is primarily transmitted from person to person through the air. When an infected individual with active TB in the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, tiny droplets containing the bacteria are expelled into the air. The transmission of TB requires prolonged and close contact with an infected individual. Tuberculosis is not typically spread through casual contact, such as shaking hands, sharing utensils.

Q3: Are there any specific signs or symptoms that may indicate a more severe case of tuberculosis?

Ans: High fever, Profuse night sweats, Rapid Weight loss, Extreme fatigue, Breathlessness and chest pain, Neurological symptoms, Kidney or urinary symptoms, Gastrointestinal symptoms.

Q4: How is tuberculosis diagnosed ?

Ans: Tuberculin skin test (TST), Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), Chest X-ray, Sputum smear microscopy, Culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST), Molecular tests, Biopsy or fluid analysis.

Q5: Are there any specific medications used for tuberculosis treatment?

Ans: First-Line Drugs (for drug-susceptible TB): Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin (RIF), Pyrazinamide (PZA), Ethambutol (EMB). Second-Line Drugs (for drug-resistant TB): Fluoroquinolones (e.g., levofloxacin, moxifloxacin), Injectable drugs (e.g., kanamycin, amikacin, capreomycin), Ethionamide or prothionamide, Cycloserine or terizidone, Linezolid, Bedaquiline, Delamanid.

Q6: Are there any specific risk factors or criteria that indicate the need for tuberculosis testing?

Ans: Close contact with a known TB case, Travel or residence in high TB burden areas, Healthcare workers, HIV infection, Immunocompromised individuals, Homelessness and substance abuse, Correctional facilities, Age and occupation.

Q7: Are there any preventive measures to reduce the risk of tuberculosis?

Ans: Preventive measures to reduce the risk of tuberculosis: Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, Tuberculosis Testing and Treatment, Infection Control Measures, Screening and Treatment of High-Risk Groups.

Q8: Who is specialized for treating Tuberculosis?

Ans: Pulmonologist.