Tuberculosis (TB): Why Early Detection and Timely Treatment Matter More Than Ever

Jaipur: The recent tuberculosis screening drive conducted by the Health Department in Rajasthan in December 2025 has brought a hard truth to light- TB continues to be a serious public health challenge. Over 1.7 lakh new TB cases were identified in less than a month, including 12416 cases in the vulnerable population in  Jaipur, many of them among people who did not realize they were carrying the infection. These ‘hidden cases’ underline why awareness, early testing and completing treatment are crucial to control TB.

Dr Ankit Bansal, Senior Consultant, Pulmonology, Fortis Jaipur, highlighted that “Tuberculosis is a ‘silent spreader’ because it can feel like a normal cough or cold, yet still infect others. It can also show up as swollen glands, back pain, headaches or fluid in the lungs—not just a cough. Caused by bacteria that most commonly affects the lungs, but also involves the lymph nodes, bones, brain and other organs, TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes or talks.”

Common symptoms you should not ignore

• A cough lasting more than two weeks
• Fever, especially in the evenings and night sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Loss of appetite and persistent fatigue
• Blood in sputum in advanced cases

“Early testing protects you and your family, and today’s rapid tests can detect tuberculosis and drug resistance quickly. Tuberculosis is curable, but only if treatment is started early and completed fully. What truly matters is completing the entire course, even if symptoms improve early. Stopping medicines midway can allow the disease to return in a more dangerous, drug-resistant form that is much harder to treat.” Dr. Bansal further added.

Preventing TB: Simple steps make a big difference

• If a cough, fever or unexplained weight loss lingers, don’t wait it out, get checked
• A cough or fever lasting more than two weeks is not “just seasonal” and needs attention
• Cover your mouth while coughing or sneezing and ensure proper ventilation
• Eat regular, nutritious meals and keep illnesses like diabetes well controlled
• Avoid smoking and cut down on alcohol, as both weaken the body’s defence against infections
• Offer support to anyone undergoing TB treatment as getting treated is the right step

The recent findings from Rajasthan remind us that TB elimination is not just a government goal but a shared responsibility. With early testing, timely treatment and community awareness, TB can be controlled and cured. The key message is simple: TB is serious, but it is treatable, and early action saves lives.