STAR HOSPITALS MARKS WORLD TUBERCULOSIS DAY AND JOINS THE GLOBAL MOVE TO END TB BY 2030

Today, March 24th, is a significant day in medical history. It was on this day in 1882, that Dr. Robert Koch discovered the Tuberculosis (TB) bacillus – a major breakthrough for the scientific community. And today, Star Hospitals joins the rest of the world in marking World Tuberculosis Day, firmly upholding the theme “Yes, we can end TB”. 

As in the case of other diseases, an early diagnosis gives patients a better chance for a cure. Today, thanks to Dr. Koch’s discovery, we have it in our collective power to end TB by 2030.

On this day we are reminded that a quarter of the world’s population is infected with the tuberculosis bacteria. In India alone, a staggering 4 lakh people die every year of this disease. 

Tuberculosis remains an epidemic in much of the world, causing the deaths of nearly one-and-a-half million people each year, mostly in developing countries. 
To reduce these numbers, we need to emphasize the fact that an early diagnosis and specialist treatment is the key to the cure. In fact, TB is 100% curable with appropriate and timely treatment.

To eradicate TB from the world, there must be more awareness of the symptoms that indicate a person is suffering from this disease. For instance, if someone has a cough for more than a week, is bringing up phlegm, coughing up blood, running a low-grade fever, suffering from loss of appetite and weight loss, it is vital to seek speedy medical attention.

A sputum test is the first investigation for TB. The next is a bronchoscopy.
Once a diagnosis has been made, treatment commences, and prescribed oral medications must be regularly taken for six months. 

TB bacteria are present in about a third of the Indian population. These bacteria become activated in conditions of starvation, stress, and lack of proper sleep. Use of steroids also causes these bacteria to become activated, leading to Pulmonary Tuberculosis. To prevent Pulmonary Tuberculosis, it is essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle and get adequate physical exercise to strengthen the immune system. It is important to reduce stress in one’s daily life and sleep for eight hours every day. Maintaining good personal hygiene, and frequently washing one’s hands with soap is essential to prevent infection. Wearing a face mask in crowded places also helps.

Above all, let us remember that TB is curable. We might be facing a challenge, but we can overcome it. Let us spread awareness, so that together we can end TB.

A sputum test is the first investigation for TB. The next is a bronchoscopy.

STAR Hospitals equipped all types sputum(Flum) tests and State of Art Bronchoscopy systems for early diagnosis of Tuberculosis.

Dr Kishan Srikanth MD DM 
Consultant Interventional Pulmonologist 
Department of Pulmonology 
Star Hospitals