Beyond cough: Experts say most people with tuberculosis feel perfectly fine

New Delhi: Scientists have recently found that many people who catch tuberculosis, which is also known as the world’s most deadly infection, may feel perfectly healthy.

The condition which kills millions of people globally every year, has a signature symptom which is cough. Researchers have for a long time associated the contagious disease with this one sign, but as per recent surveys, many people living with active TB feel fine.

Experts say that when one is dealing with active TB, they have no symptoms, it can spread to other people through sneezing and coughing. Latent TB, on the other hand, is when bacteria enter the body with no symptoms and it can’t be passed on. It usually comes to scientists recently doubted that TB only spreads through droplets released by sneezing and coughing. Sometimes, simply breathing can also make the infection spread.

Globally, 7.5 million people were diagnosed with TB in 2022, which is the highest number ever recorded. As per the World Health Organisation (WHO), it was previously noted that this was because most people failed to receive treatment for it or get diagnosed during the Covid lockdown. Another report found that cases of drug-resistant TB have increased by 3% between 2020-2021.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is said to be one of the world’s deadliest diseases and the second leading infectious killer after Covid-19. TB spreads in the air when people infected with it cough, spit, or sneeze.

Doctors say that TB can be life-threatening, but can be treated as well with antibiotics. It can spread to the brain, abdomen, glands, heart, bones, and nervous system. People at high risk of the condition are those who come in close contact with those who have the disease, have weak immunity, or are addicted to drugs.

What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

The symptoms of tuberculosis are:

Cough that lasts for over three weeks
Weight loss
Loss of appetite
High body temperature
Feeling exhausted
Feeling generally unwell
Night sweats