Best Tuberculosis Doctors in Kolkata

Types/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 causing sickness. However, it can progressively turn into an active disease.

• Active TB disease: This occurs when the immune system cannot 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 in addition to MDR-TB, making it much 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:

• Chronic cough lasting three weeks or longer

• Chest pain and discomfort

• Coughing up blood or sputum

• Fatigue and weakness

• Weight loss

• Low-grade fever

• Night Sweats

Tests to Diagnose Tuberculosis

Diagnosing TB requires various tests, which can include:

• Sputum tests: The samples of sputum are examined under a microscope to identify the TB bacteria.

• Chest X-ray: This can show white spots where your immune system has walled off TB 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, Kolkata

Apollo Hospitals, Kolkata, 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 by pulmonologists. Apollo Hospitals houses some of the best surgeons for active tuberculosis who undertake surgical procedures like lung resection or pleurectomy.

• Post-treatment care: The doctors at Apollo Hospitals focus on patient-centric care with adequate post-treatment rehabilitation and follow-ups, optimising patient recovery.