Tuberculosis Treatment in Mumbai

Tuberculosis is a disease that mainly affects the lungs but can also impact other body parts. Let’s explore all the symptoms, causes, diagnosis methods, and available treatment options for tuberculosis. This guide has everything that you need to know. Learn why Gleneagles Hospitals is known to be one of the best centers for tuberculosis treatment in Mumbai.

TB (Tuberculosis) is a serious infectious disease that is generally caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it generally only affects the lungs (known as pulmonary tuberculosis), it can also spread to other parts of the body, including the spine, brain, or even the kidneys.

Today, tuberculosis in Mumbai is one of the biggest public health issues. It is known to have one of the highest TB burdens all over the world. Gleneagles Hospitals, also known as the best

TB specialist hospital in Mumbai provides care for TB patients throughout Mumbai. They offer advanced diagnostic services as well as personalized treatment plans for each individual patient. 

TB is known to spread when a person who is infected coughs, sneezes, speaks, or even sings. This tends to release tiny droplets of TB bacteria in the air. And, when others breathe in these droplets, they can become infected. However, not everyone who gets infected with this bacteria will show symptoms or become contagious.

Tuberculosis can affect different parts of the body, leading to various types of tuberculosis, such as: 

• Pulmonary tuberculosis - This is the most common form that affects the lungs. Pulmonary tuberculosis treatment typically involves antibiotics that are generally taken for several months.
• Extrapulmonary tuberculosis - This refers to TB that occurs outside the lungs. Common types include:
• Spinal tuberculosis (Pott's disease) - Affects the spine
• Abdominal tuberculosis - Affects organs in the abdomen
• TB meningitis - Affects the membranes around the brain and spinal cord
• Lymph node TB (scrofula) - Affects the lymph nodes
• Genitourinary TB - Affects the kidneys, bladder, or reproductive organs

TB infection progresses through different stages:

Stage 1: Primary TB Infection

The initial stage occurs when TB bacteria enter the lungs. Most people's immune systems can contain the bacteria at this stage. Symptoms may include:

• Low-grade fever
• Mild fatigue
• Occasional cough

Stage 2: Latent TB Infection

In this stage, the bacteria remain dormant in the body. People with latent TB:

• Have no symptoms
• Are not contagious
• Test positive on TB skin or blood tests
• May develop active TB later if their immune system weakens

Stage 3: Active TB Disease

When the immune system cannot contain the infection, active TB develops. Common symptoms include:

• Persistent cough (lasting more than two weeks)
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite
• Fatigue or weakness
• Fever and night sweats
• Chills

Symptoms of abdominal tuberculosis may include:

• Abdominal pain
• Diarrhea
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Abdominal swelling

Symptoms of spinal tuberculosis often include:

• Back pain
• Stiffness
• Reduced mobility
• Neurological symptoms if the spinal cord is compressed

Several factors can increase your risk of developing TB:

• Close contact with someone who has active TB
• Weakened immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or cancer.
• Living or travelling in regions where TB is common, including parts of Asia, Africa, and Latin America.
• Living or working in crowded conditions like prisons, nursing homes, or homeless shelters
• Age - Infants, young children, and older adults have higher risks
• Malnutrition or low body weight
• Substance abuse, including tobacco and alcohol.
• Certain medications that suppress the immune system.

Diagnosing TB involves several tests:

• Skin Test (Tuberculin Skin Test or TST): A small amount of TB protein is injected under the skin. If a raised, hard area develops at the injection site within 48-72 hours, it may indicate TB infection.
• Blood Tests: Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) can detect TB infection by measuring the immune system's response to TB bacteria.
• Chest X-rays: These can reveal lung damage caused by TB.
  Sputum Tests: Analyzing mucus coughed up from the lungs can detect TB bacteria.
• Molecular Tests: Rapid molecular diagnostic tests, such as Xpert MTB/RIF, can quickly identify TB bacteria and determine if they're resistant to certain drugs.

Tuberculosis prevention treatment focuses on both preventing initial infection and preventing latent TB from becoming active:

1. TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) - For those with latent TB, medications can prevent progression to active disease. This is especially important for:

• People with HIV
• Children under five who have been exposed to TB
• People with weakened immune systems
• Recent contact of TB patients

2. BCG Vaccination - In countries with high TB rates, the Bacille Calmette-Guérin vaccine is given to infants to prevent severe forms of TB in children.

3. Infection Control Measures:

• Proper ventilation in healthcare settings and crowded places
• Using ultraviolet germicidal irradiation in high-risk areas
• Wearing masks in healthcare settings
• Covering mouth when coughing or sneezing

4. Public Health Measures:

• Early detection and treatment of active TB cases
• Contact tracing to identify exposed individuals
• TB screening for high-risk populations

TB treatment in Mumbai typically involves taking antibiotics for at least 6-9 months. The specific regimen depends on the type of TB and whether the bacteria are drug-resistant.

Standard treatment for drug-sensitive pulmonary tuberculosis treatment includes:

1. Initial phase (2 months):

• Isoniazid
• Rifampin
• Pyrazinamide
• Ethambutol

2. Continuation phase (4 months):

• Isoniazid
• Rifampin
   

For spinal tuberculosis treatment, the approach typically includes:

• Longer antibiotic courses (9-12 months)
• Possible surgical intervention if there is significant bone damage or spinal cord compression
• Physical therapy and rehabilitation
   

Abdominal tuberculosis treatment generally follows similar antibiotic regimens but may require:

• Extended treatment duration
• Possible surgical intervention for complications
• Nutritional support

1. Drug-Resistant TB: Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) require specialized treatment with second-line drugs for longer periods (up to 24 months). These cases require expert management at specialised centres like Gleneagles Hospitals, which offers some of the best treatments for tuberculosis in Mumbai.

2. Adherence and Monitoring: Completing the full course of TB treatment in Mumbai is crucial to prevent drug resistance. Healthcare providers may use directly observed therapy (DOT), where patients take medication under supervision. 

Regular monitoring during treatment includes:

• Clinical evaluation
• Sputum tests to confirm bacteria clearance
• Liver function tests
• Vision tests (for patients on ethambutol)

Tuberculosis in Mumbai represents a major public health concern. The country accounts for about a quarter of the global TB burden. The Indian government has implemented the National Tuberculosis Elimination Program (NTEP) to combat TB, to eliminate TB by 2025.

Tuberculosis treatment in Mumbai is available through:

• Government healthcare facilities under NTEP
• Private hospitals and clinics
• Public-private partnership initiatives
   

Gleneagles Hospitals, also known as the best TB treatment hospital in Mumbai​ is at the forefront of providing best treatment for tuberculosis in Mumbai with comprehensive care for all forms of TB. As one of the leading healthcare providers in Mumbai, Gleneagles Hospitals offers:

• Advanced diagnostic techniques
• Expert pulmonologists and infectious disease specialists
• State-of-the-art facilities for managing complicated TB cases
• Multidisciplinary approach involving nutritionists, physiotherapists, and psychologists
• Treatment for drug-resistant TB

Managing tuberculosis requires more than simply medical therapy. Patients should continue the therapy course, even if symptoms improve.

• Maintain proper nourishment to aid with recuperation.
• Avoid alcohol and smoke.
• Get adequate rest while gradually resuming routine activity.
• Follow infection control procedures to avoid transmitting tuberculosis to others.
• Attend every follow-up appointment.
• Keep an eye out for potential adverse effects of TB treatments.

Without effective treatment, tuberculosis can cause significant problems.

• Permanent lung injury.
• Respiratory failure.
• Spread to other organs (disseminated TB).
• Spine abnormalities due to spinal TB.
• Intestinal blockage due to abdominal tuberculosis
• Meningitis
• Heart inflammation (pericarditis)
• Joint Damage

We at Gleneagles Hospitals provide exceptional care to all our patients with our services that include:

• Expert specialists consist of experienced pulmonologists, infectious disease specialists, and surgeons trained to manage all TB types.
• Advanced diagnostics with molecular testing, drug sensitivity testing, and imaging.
• Comprehensive care, including nutritional support and full-care recovery
• State-of-the-art-facility equipment with negative pressure rooms for infection control and advanced capabilities for other complicated cases
• Personalised treatment plans are based on the type of TB and other individual patient factors.