Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. The bacteria that cause tuberculosis spread from person to person through small droplets released into the air through coughs and sneezes.

Once rare in developed countries, tuberculosis infection began to increase in 1985, partly due to the emergence of HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV weakens a person's immune system, so it is unable to fight TB germs. In the United States, tuberculosis began to decline again in 1993, due to strong control programs. But this remains a matter of concern. Best Bronchoscopy Doctor in Santacruz, Mumbai

Many tuberculosis strains resist the drugs most commonly used to treat the disease. People with active tuberculosis must take a variety of medications for months to get rid of the infection and prevent antibiotic resistance.

Symptoms

Although your body can harbor the bacteria that cause tuberculosis, your immune system usually can prevent you from becoming sick. For this reason, doctors make a distinction between:

• Latent TB - You have a TB infection, but the bacteria in your body are inactive and cause no symptoms. Latent TB, also called inactive TB or TB infection, isn’t contagious. Latent TB can turn into active TB, so treatment is important.
• Active TB - Also called TB disease, this condition makes you sick and, in most cases, can spread to others. It can occur weeks or years after infection with the TB bacteria.

Symptoms of active TB include:

• Coughing for three or more weeks
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing
• Unintentional weight loss
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Night sweats
• Chills
• Loss of appetite

Causes

Tuberculosis is caused by bacteria that spread from person to person through microscopic droplets released into the air. This can happen when a person with untreated, actively suffering tuberculosis coughs, speaks, sneezes, spits, laughs, or sings.

Although tuberculosis is contagious, it is not easy to catch. You are more likely to get tuberculosis from someone you live or work with than from a stranger. Most people with active TB who have received appropriate drug treatment for at least two weeks are no longer infectious.

When to see a Doctor

Consult Dr. Padmaraj Ankale if you have a fever, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or a persistent cough. These are often signs of TB but can also be caused by other conditions. Also, see your doctor if you think you've been exposed to TB.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that people at increased risk for tuberculosis be screened for latent TB infection. This recommendation includes people who:

• Have HIV/AIDS
• Use IV drugs
• Are in contact with infected people
• Are from a country where TB is common, such as several countries in Latin America, Africa and Asia
• Live or work in areas where TB is common, such as prisons or nursing homes
• Work in health care and treat people with a high risk of TB
• Are children who are exposed to adults at risk of TB

Why Choose us ?

At Dr. Padmaraj Ankale’s Pulmonary & Surgical Clinic, patients receive expert respiratory care backed by over 13 years of clinical experience. Recognized as the Best TB Doctor in Santacruz, Mumbai, Dr. Padmaraj Ankale offers comprehensive diagnosis and treatment for tuberculosis, lung, and sleep-related disorders. The clinic is equipped with advanced diagnostic technology and modern interventional techniques, ensuring accurate diagnosis, effective treatment, and truly patient-centric care.