Top 5 TB Myths Debunked by Lung Health Experts

Tuberculosis is a consistent damaging disease for the lungs that affects the whole body. According to a recent press release, India witnessed a considerable decline in TB incidence rates, dropping by 17.7% from 237 per 100,000 population in 2015 down to 195 in 2023, and saw 21.4% fewer TB-related deaths. 

However, even though India is progressing towards making the nation free from tuberculosis, myths about the disease still persists. These myths about TB not only delay diagnosis and treatment but also fuel social stigma surrounding the disease. 

In this article, we aim to educate and empower patients about TB with the help of the best pulmonologist in Hisar. We will debunk and highlight the five most common TB myths and discuss the crucial steps to control the disease nationwide.

Five Most Common TB Myths 

Myth 1: Everyone with TB is infectious

Fact: It is not true that everyone infected with TB disease can transmit it easily. However, people who have active TB in their lungs or throat are considered more contagious. But individuals with dormant TB infections, wherein bacteria are present but are inactive, do not spread the disease. In fact, people with active TB also become non-infectious quite rapidly and effectively after taking treatment for a couple of weeks. 

TB doesn’t spread via casual contact such as shaking hands, hugging or sharing food with people. Transmission occurs in poorly ventilated surroundings after long time exposure. That’s why adequate ventilation with good hygiene practices significantly reduces the risk of transmission in most environments effectively. 

Myth 2: TB is a genetic disease

Fact: TB supposedly has genetic roots, but actually it’s the bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which spreads via airborne droplets when infected persons cough or sneeze loudly. This myth may have come from the observation that multiple family members frequently contracted TB. 

Whereas, the close living conditions are responsible for the disease rather than inheritance. Some genetic factors may possibly influence people’s tendency to develop active tuberculosis, but the disease transmission does not genetically pass on from parent to child. 

Myth 3: TB is Not Treatable or Curable

Fact: In fact, TB is curable if followed by proper treatment. People with latent TB are usually prescribed antibiotic like isoniazid for either six or nine months as an effective treatment. While those with active TB require treatment with antibiotics, including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide, for over 6 months or longer. 

In fact, those with multidrug-resistant TB can also be treated with a highly specialized treatment involving bactericidal compounds. With that said, TB is a preventable and treatable disease with timely intervention, proper treatment, and diligent completion of the medicinal course.

Myth 4: It is possible to treat TB through vaccination alone

Fact: The BCG vaccine given mostly during infancy, offers protection against severe TB, like TB meningitis in children. But it fails to offer complete safeguards, particularly against adult pulmonary tuberculosis. 

Vaccination is just one aspect among many ways to prevent TB effectively. Along with vaccination, awareness, proper nutrition, good hygiene, timely treatment, and early diagnosis are all equally vital. It is crucial to understand that the vaccine doesn’t replace antibiotics for treating active TB infections.

Myth 5: If it’s TB, you will know the symptoms

Fact: Tuberculosis symptoms often remain hidden. However, classic signs such as persistent cough and night sweats, and fever are common with significant weight loss suddenly. In most cases, symptoms often remain hidden until the disease has progressed to an advanced stage.

This is especially true in latent TB where TB bacteria is inactive and people appear completely healthy, showing no obvious symptoms, making routine screening vital, especially for high-risk groups.

What Steps Can You Take for TB Prevention?

Tuberculosis prevention requires stringent medical precautions along with following healthy lifestyle practices and public health awareness. While TB is both preventable and treatable, it is important to take proactive steps to control the spread of TB in high-risk environments. According to the best pulmonologist in Hisar, here are essential steps individuals and families can take to reduce their risk:

1. Get Vaccinated with the BCG Vaccine

TB vaccination works as a protection against harmful forms of TB, such as TB meningitis. Infants in countries like India, especially where TB is prevalent, are often administered Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine routinely from a fairly young age. 

2. Practice Respiratory Hygiene

Use of tissue or elbow is suggested whenever you are coughing or sneezing. This practice reduces the risk of airborne transmission effectively. People diagnosed with active tuberculosis should wear masks and maintain strict cough etiquette to minimize the spread of infectious droplets. 

3. Maintain a Strong Immune System

A strong immune system helps in resisting tuberculosis effectively in most cases. It is helpful to have sufficient sleep and a balanced diet rich in essential nutrients, which contribute to building immunity. People with compromised immune systems, such as those with HIV or chronic illnesses, should exercise extreme caution.

4. Avoid Close Contact with Active TB Cases

Prolonged close contact with active TB cases should be avoided, especially until proper treatment of several weeks. Proper ventilation and natural sunlight in living areas significantly reduce the concentration of TB bacteria in air. 

5. Complete the Full Course of Treatment

 Adhering strictly to the entire anti-tuberculosis medication is crucial. Skipping doses or terminating treatment prematurely can create drug-resistant TB, which proves rather more difficult and expensive to treat.

Final Thoughts

Proper medical intervention and diagnosis play an important role in stopping the spread of tuberculosis. Especially if you have symptoms like fatigue or unexplained weight loss, it is necessary to consult a healthcare provider effectively. Routine follow-ups, including sputum tests and chest X-rays, become necessary once treatment has begun. 

If you have any symptoms like coughing or problems breathing, do not delay a doctor’s consultation and visit the best pulmonologist in Hisar at Sarvesh Health City Hospital for routine checkups. The department here will thoroughly assess the contagious levels in patients and if the treatment is working. Additionally, do not miss any appointment and discuss your concerns freely with healthcare providers for faster recovery and minimum risk complications.