MedDroid
Ask MedDroid
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that most often affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It is common in India and fully curable with a proper course of medicines.
Causes & risk factors
- Infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria
- Spread through the air from an infected person coughing
- Close, prolonged contact in crowded spaces
- Weak immunity (HIV, diabetes, malnutrition)
- Latent TB reactivating years later
Common symptoms
- Cough lasting more than 2-3 weeks
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- Low-grade fever
- Tiredness
- Coughing up blood
Tests & diagnosis
- Sputum test (for TB bacteria)
- Chest X-ray
- GeneXpert / molecular TB test
- Tuberculin skin test / IGRA blood test
Treatment & management
- A full course of anti-TB antibiotics, usually 6 months
- Taking every dose without stopping early is essential
- Directly observed treatment (DOTS) programmes in India
- Good nutrition and treating conditions that lower immunity
- Testing and, if needed, treating close contacts
When to see a doctor urgently
- Cough lasting more than 2-3 weeks — get tested
- Coughing up blood — see a doctor urgently
- Severe breathlessness or chest pain — urgent care
- Weight loss with fever and night sweats
Not a diagnosis. MedDroid gives general educational information about tuberculosis (tb). It cannot examine you, diagnose or prescribe — always confirm with a qualified doctor.
Frequently asked questions
Is TB curable?
Yes. TB is fully curable with the correct medicines taken for the full course, usually about 6 months. Stopping early can cause drug-resistant TB.
Is TB testing free in India?
Diagnosis and treatment are provided free through government programmes. Ask at any government health centre.
Explore more
Sources & further reading
- World Health Organization (WHO)
- MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine
- Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, India
- Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR)
Reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. It provides general health information, not a diagnosis or medical advice — always consult a qualified clinician. In an emergency, contact your local emergency number immediately.