Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection that mainly affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body. While it is treatable and curable, early diagnosis is the key to a full recovery. In cities like Pune, where pollution, close living conditions, and busy lifestyles are common, TB is still seen in many patients. In fact, in Tb is an endemic disease in India. it can affect anyone.
If you or someone you know has been coughing for weeks, feeling weak, or losing weight without reason, it’s important to get tested.
What Is TB and How Does It Spread?
TB is caused by bacteria that spread through the air. When someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or even talks, they release tiny droplets into the air that can infect others. It’s not as easy to catch as the common cold, but long exposure increases the risk.
Common Signs and Symptoms:
- Persistent cough for 2 weeks or more
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Weakness or fatigue
Depending upon the organ involved symptoms will be different.
How Is TB Diagnosed?
If you have any of these symptoms, it’s important to visit a chest specialist or pulmonologist. In Pune, Lopmudra hospitals and Ruby Hall clinics offer the following tests:
- Chest X-ray: To check for signs of infection in the lungs.
- Sputum Test: A sample of mucus from your lungs is tested for TB bacteria.
- CBNAAT (GeneXpert): A fast and accurate test that detects TB and checks for drug resistance.
- Blood Tests and TB Gold Test: Used in some cases to confirm infection.
- CT Scan or Bronchoscopy: If TB is suspected in other parts of the body.
Where to Get Tested in Pune?
Pune has several government and private facilities where TB diagnosis is done efficiently. Lopmudra hospitals and Ruby Hall clinic offer testing not just for TB of Lungs but also for TB of other parts of the body. We as pulmonologist have access to advanced diagnostic tools like CBNAAT, TB liquid culture, whole genome sequencing (WGS), line probe assay (LPA) bronchoscopy to ensure timely and accurate results.
Why Early Diagnosis Matters
Catching TB early means treatment can begin sooner, which prevents the spread to others and improves your chances of recovery. TB treatment is free in government hospitals and widely available in private clinics across Pune. You can continue your treatment at private clinic and avail free TB medicines from government at the same time.
If you or someone close to you has symptoms of TB, don’t wait. Family screening is also available.
Any latent infection can be taken care by prophylactic TB treatment, which can be useful in family members and immunosuppressed individuals. With proper diagnosis and treatment, TB is completely curable.
