Shimla, Mar 24 (FN Bureau) The Complete eradication of Tuberculosis (TB) is difficult considering the current scenario as India accounts for 28 per cent of all TB cases in the world according to the Global TB report 2022. There were 21.3 lakh cases detected in 2021 as compared to 18.05 lakh cases in 2020. According to the U.S. Agency for International Development, India has the world’s highest incidence of TB- its 2.8 million cases annually account for more than a quarter of cases globally. 40 percent of India is infected with tuberculosis yet, the awareness about it is considerably low and stigma attached to it is high, said Dr Naresh Purohit, Advisor- National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) said.
Sharing his concern on India facing the highest burden of multi- drug resistant (MDR) TB, noted Epidemiologist Dr Purohit told UNl here on the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day that though the government is giving free medicines in government hospitals despite all this, these patients are either borrowing money or selling their property to treat it especially in surgical and complex TB cases. “Drug resistance is a formidable obstacle to TB care and prevention globally, making it harder and longer to treat, often with poorer outcomes for patients. It becomes somewhat difficult to treat TB infection, especially when it is MDR (Multi Drug Resistant), XDR (Extensively Drug Resistant), TDR (Total Drug Resistant) tuberculosis in these patients” he observed. Renowned Respiratory physician, Dr Purohit pointed out that increasing population in the country is one of the root causes for the spread of the disease because the increasing population is reducing the proportion of all resources. “If a law is enacted to curb the population it will give good results for the entire population and it will not only be useful in the prevention of TB but also in improving the economic, social and political standards of the entire country, ” he added.
He said a recent survey conducted across 20 states pegged the incidence of TB at a higher 312 cases per lakh population. He averred that the generalized symptoms of TB include a low-grade fever that mostly develops in the evening, weight loss, loss of appetite, sweating during the night, and fatigue. Those suffering from organ-specific or pulmonary (relating to lungs) TB complains of a persistent cough that lasts for more than two weeks (sometimes throwing up blood while coughing), chest pain, and difficulty in breathing. “Anyone 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 treatment,” he said According to the acclaimed medic, having a strong immunity is the best way to stay protected from TB.Having a protein-rich diet strengthens the immune system. “People 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 health. “he added. He cautioned that TB patients must strictly avoid excessive consumption of tea and coffee, especially with food. Avoid carbonated drinks, spicy, oily and salty foods. Processed, canned, and fast food. Alcohol , tobacco chewing and smoking is prohibited for these patients. He informed that to diagnose pulmonary TB, sputum (a coughed-up mix of saliva and mucus) examination and chest x-ray are the basic tests. Chest x-rays help to monitor the changes in the lungs. Doctors also take other tests like CT scans, USG, and bronchoscopy to diagnose TB. He stated that TB can impact people of any gender and any age group. However, those having health concerns like Asthma, Bronchitis or other respiratory issues, poor immunity, Diabetes, HIV infection, and alcoholism are at a higher risk of TB.
“Delay 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 18-24 months.” he pointed out. He stressed that the eradication process would require dedicated efforts on the part of the government, and community including doctors and patients to achieve the same. “Currently, the ongoing war between Russia-Ukraine will affect TB treatment. There will be shortage in availability of medicine and pills. At the same time, many people from Ukraine go to other countries as refugees. Because of this, the number of people suffering from tuberculosis worldwide will increase many times in the next few years,” he opined.