Tuberculosis (TB) Treatment in Kolkata

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a potentially fatal bacterial condition that mostly affects the lungs but can also spread to other organs via the lymphatic and circulatory systems. The cause of tuberculosis (TB) is the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Highly contagious, the condition spreads through the air when an infected person talks, sneezes, or coughs, releasing microscopic droplets contaminated with bacteria.

Book your appointment with one of the best health professionals at CMRI if you are searching for the best tuberculosis treatment in Kolkata.

Types of Tuberculosis

Different kinds of tuberculosis can manifest depending on which organs are affected and whether the infection is latent or active.

Pulmonary tuberculosis: TB affecting the lungs most commonly found in people is known as pulmonary TB. It spreads through airborne droplets and is the most infectious type.
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis: In this type, the TB germs have moved outside of the lungs and impacted the kidneys, brain, spine, and lymph nodes, among other organs.
Latent TB: This form of the disease is caused by latent TB germs in the body, which do not cause any symptoms. It is not contagious, but it can become active under particular conditions.
Active tuberculosis: It can produce symptoms like fever, exhaustion, weight loss, and a chronic cough. If not treated right away, it can spread to other people.
Miliary tuberculosis: It is a rare form of tuberculosis in which the bacteria create minute lesions in multiple organs and grow widely throughout the body. This variety is usually more severe and challenging to deal with.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Symptoms of tuberculosis differ according to the infection's stage and location. However, the respiratory system is largely involved in the most prevalent indications and symptoms of active tuberculosis:

A persistent cough lasts over three weeks and frequently produces blood or phlegm.

Chest Pain: A chest discomfort or soreness that worsens when you cough or breathe.
Unintentional Weight Loss: Notable weight loss without dieting or exercising more.
Fatigue: A persistent state of exhaustion and low energy.
Fever: A mild fever that may come on suddenly or last for a while.
Night Sweats: Excessive perspiration that soaks into garments and bedding during the night.
Appetite Loss: A discernible decline in the urge to consume food.
Breathing difficulties: Having trouble breathing, particularly when exercising.

Causes of Tuberculosis

The Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, which travels from person to person through the air, is the primary cause of tuberculosis. However, the following factors increase one's risk of developing tuberculosis:

Close Contact with an Infected Individual: Prolonged contact with an individual who is currently suffering from tuberculosis increases the chance of transmission.
Weak Immune System: The immune system is weakened by diseases like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or malnutrition, which increases the body's vulnerability to tuberculosis.
Living or Working in High-Risk Areas: Individuals who reside in areas where tuberculosis is highly prevalent or in densely populated areas are more susceptible.
Substance Abuse: Drinking alcohol or using drugs might impair immunity, which raises the risk of tuberculosis.
Travel to Endemic Areas: Travelling to or living in countries with high occurrences of TB augments the risk of exposure to the bacteria.

Risks and Complications of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis can cause serious health problems, including death if it is not treated. TB-related risks and complications include the following:

Chronic Lung Damage: If pulmonary tuberculosis is left untreated, it may result in long-term lung damage and persistent respiratory problems.
Spread to Other Organs: Tuberculosis (TB) has the potential to spread to other regions of the body, leading to consequences such as kidney damage, spinal discomfort, and meningitis, which is an inflammation of the membranes surrounding the brain and spinal cord.
Drug-Resistant TB: Drug-resistant strains of tuberculosis (TB) can arise from inadequate therapy or medication adherence, making the disease more challenging to treat.
HIV/TB Co-Infection: People living with HIV are more likely to become infected with TB, which can accelerate the development of both conditions.
Respiratory Failure: Severe tuberculosis cases can result in respiratory failure, a potentially fatal condition that needs to be treated very quickly.

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

For successful treatment of tuberculosis and the avoidance of complications, early diagnosis is essential. TB is diagnosed using a variety of methods, including:

Medical Background and Physical Assessment: After obtaining a thorough medical history that covers symptoms and tuberculosis exposure, a physical examination with a special emphasis on the lungs is performed.
Purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected subcutaneously in modest amounts as part of the tuberculin skin test (TST). A positive response suggests tuberculosis exposure.
Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs): These blood tests are used to identify latent tuberculosis (TB) by measuring the immunological response to TB bacteria.
Chest X-ray: An X-ray is useful for detecting lung anomalies or lesions that may be TB-related.
Sputum Test: To find out if TB bacteria are present, a sample of sputum or mucus from the lungs is either cultured or viewed under a microscope.
Molecular testing: Quick diagnosis is facilitated by rapid molecular testing that identifies medication resistance and tuberculosis bacteria, such as the Xpert MTB/RIF assay.

Treatment Options for Tuberculosis

A mixture of antibiotics given over a long period is used to treat tuberculosis to completely eradicate the germs. The following are some TB treatment options:

First-Line Antituberculosis Drugs: An antibiotic regimen consisting of isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide administered for six to nine months is the typical treatment for active tuberculosis.
Directly Observed Therapy: With this method, medical professionals watch over patients as they take their prescriptions to guarantee compliance and stop the emergence of drug-resistant tuberculosis.
Treatment for Latent TB: To keep the germs from becoming active, people with latent TB are frequently put on isoniazid or rifampin for a few months.
Treatment for Drug-Resistant TB: Second-line treatments, such as injectable antibiotics and fluoroquinolones, are administered, frequently for a longer period, when the TB strain is resistant to first-line drugs.
Surgery: In rare instances where tuberculosis (TB) results in significant harm to the lungs or other organs, it could be essential to remove the damaged tissue through surgery.

Why Should You Choose CMRI for Tuberculosis Treatment in Kolkata?

The Calcutta Medical Research Institute (CMRI) is one of the largest multispecialty hospitals in Kolkata. Our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art technology, revolutionising the healthcare industry for the best surgical outcomes. In addition, CMRI has several eminent specialists, doctors, and healthcare providers of national and international reputations for comprehensive and personalised treatment. CMRI provides patient-centric care and empathy from internationally trained nurses to ensure holistic patient care. Here are a few advantages of choosing the CMRI for the best tuberculosis treatment in Kolkata:

Highly qualified and experienced doctors
440-bed capacity along with cutting-edge technology and the latest medical equipment
Hygienic and patient-friendly infrastructure
Thorough screening and diagnosis
Transparent Pricing Structure for cost-effective treatment
Patient-centric, high-quality care for a high success rate
Pain management and palliative care
Complete and coordinated care for patients