Best Tuberculosis Doctors in Bangalore

Types and Stages of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis varies in its severity and manifestation. The common types include:

• Latent TB infection: The TB bacteria live in the body without making you sick. However, it can turn into a TB disease.

• Active TB disease: This occurs when your immune system can't stop the bacteria from multiplying, leading to illness.

• Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB): This type is resistant to at least two of the best anti-TB medications: isoniazid and Rifampicin.

• Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB): This form shows resistance against more drugs than MDR-TB, making it harder to treat.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

The symptoms exhibited by those afflicted with TB are generally subtle at first but worsen over time. Early recognition can lead to swift treatment, saving lives. The common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough lasting three weeks or more

• Presence of blood in cough

• Continuous fatigue or weakness

• Unintentional weight loss

• Recurring fever

• Regular night sweats

Tests to Diagnose Tuberculosis

Determining whether you have TB involves various tests that can accurately diagnose the disease. These can include:

• Sputum tests: This test involves examining samples of a patient's sputum under a microscope to identify tuberculosis bacteria.

• Chest X-ray: This can show white spots where the immune system has walled off tuberculosis bacteria.

• Tuberculin skin test (TST): This is a simple skin test where a small amount of fluid (tuberculin) is injected into the skin.

• Blood tests: Tests such as the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRA) can detect TB infection.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Tuberculosis at Apollo Hospitals Bangalore

Apollo Hospitals Bangalore provides a comprehensive treatment plan for tuberculosis. This includes:

• Anti-TB drugs: Patients need to take antibiotics, such as Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, and Streptomycin, daily for 4-6 months to be effective.

• MDR-TB Treatment: Apollo Hospital's specialists for drug-resistant tuberculosis are equipped to handle and treat MDR-TB using second-line drugs.

• Surgical procedures: For complicated or recurrent cases, surgical options may be considered. Apollo Hospitals houses some of the best surgeons for active tuberculosis who perform surgical procedures like lung resection or pleurectomy.

• Post-treatment care: The doctors at Apollo Hospitals focus on post-care rehabilitation as part of their patient-centric holistic care.