10. Myth: After a couple of months of proper TB treatment, symptoms subside and the patient feels much better. Thereafter, the patient can safely stop anti-TB medicines.
The root cause of man’s failure in TB control is nothing but this very misconception.We know that TB is curable. Effective anti-TB medicines have been available since 1950’s. However, there is one problem – Treatment of TB is pretty long. Medicines must be taken for a minimum of 6 to 8 months for complete cure.
Most patients discontinue medication prematurely, once their symptoms abate within a couple of months. In India, about 60% TB patients never completed the full course and risked relapse and complications.
This large-scale non-adherence to treatment is the single largest challenge to TB control worldwide and which has necessitated DOT – an instrument to keep a close watch over patient all along till he is fully cured. Death is not because TB is incurable; it is often due to premature discontinuation of treatment!
Please read: ADEM (14-16) I am OK now (Ashok).
11. Myth: To cough out blood with sputum (phlegm) means sure shot TB.
No doubt, some TB cases do cough out blood stained sputum or frank blood. Others may even vomit out blood. They may do so before being diagnosed, during the long course of TB treatment or even long after they have been fully cured. However, this is not a sure sign of active TB.
Please remember, presence of germs in the sputum (and not blood) is diagnostic criteria of TB.
Blood in spit may also occur due to several non-TB causes like – bleeding gums or teeth, sore throat, ulcers in mouth, nose bleed, pneumonia, peptic ulcer, bleeding disorders, cancer or idiopathic (of unknown origin). Blood with cough is NOT synonymous with TB. Look for germs in sputum.
12. Myth: I am educated and well off. I live in a posh colony. I can never catch TB – a disease of poverty. I don’t need to know a word about TB.
Nothing can be farther from truth. Educated, rich person like you who has access to the internet has greater social responsibility to the ignorant and poor around you.Besides, storms don’t send a post card of warning. And one can’t learn navigation in the midst of a storm. Now is the time to learn a little bit. Every two-wheeler rider is required to wear a helmet; not every one meets with accident. It is for prevention – just in case.
Similarly, if you live in a high burden country like India, smart thing is to gather sufficient knowledge about this common ailment, and right now, which would protect like a helmet. It would mean – a high index of suspicion, an early diagnosis, diminished transmission, correct treatment and full cure for someone, a kin or a neighbor – in other words prevention.
No doubt, a pre-requisite for TB ailment is to get infected with its germ, chances of which are higher in high TB burden communities of the third world. Obviously, the disease can’t occur without exposure to / entry of the causative germ. Since transmission is through air and each one breathes the same air, no one is immune to getting infected. However rich, you can possibly catch infection from your sick driver, servant, barber, tailor, domestic help or an office colleague. And once you are aware, you can help them immensely. And yourself.
Lack of awareness, unhygienic and congested living (e.g. in a slum) no doubt promotes chances of infection from an infective patient nearby or within the family