Tuberculosis (TB) can cause permanent lung damage, even after successful treatment, a new study published in Lancet Global Health has revealed.

Researchers have found that more than one-third of patients who are successfully cured of TB with antibiotics developed permanent lung damage which, in the worst cases, results in large holes in the lungs called cavities and widening of the airways called bronchiectasis.

Patients required further hospitalisation for treatment of their lung conditions in nearly 40% of cases. Lung function testing found that patients with post-TB lung damage had lost approximately 40% of their lung capacity, leaving many patients with persistent breathlessness.

 These problems are preventable, with earlier recognition and prevention of TB and other infections like pneumonia, and the consequences are treatable. Public health authorities need to step up their efforts to rapidly diagnose and treat TB, otherwise we could end up in a situation where we could see one epidemic replaced with another

When patients from India were then compared to patients with the same lung damage in Europe and the United States, lung function was worse and patients were more likely to be hospitalised for severe infections.

Recommended treatment for these patients such as inhalers, physiotherapy and antibiotic treatment for infections were rarely provided.

“This study calls urgent attention to the problem of post-TB lung damage worldwide. TB is a curable condition with antibiotics and great steps have been made towards eliminating TB," said Professor Chalmers.

“But this study is a wake-up call because even if we manage to eliminate all TB worldwide tomorrow, we are going to be left with a legacy of chronic lung damage and bronchiectasis which will require better recognition and better treatment," he said.

According to the World Health Organisation’s Global TB Report 2018, an estimated 2.8 million people have contracted TB in India, which represents one quarter of all TB cases worldwide.

The Indian government has pledged to eradicate TB by 2025, however this study warns that the epidemic could have lasting consequences for the treatment of lung conditions in India and across the globe.

Evidence-based treatment like physiotherapy and antibiotics are inexpensive, which are proven to improve quality of life and reduce lung infections, were available to less than 50% of Indian patients.

What is Tuberculosis?

• is a contagious infection that usually attacks the lungs. It can also spread to other parts of the body, like the brain and spine. A type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes it.

What are the Symptoms of TB?

• Common symptoms of active lung TB are cough with sputum and blood at times, chest pains, weakness, weight loss, fever and night sweats

How Is TB Spread?

• Through the air, just like a cold or the flu. When someone who’s sick coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs, or sings, tiny droplets that contain the germs are released. If you breathe in these nasty germs, you get infected

Who’s at Risk for Tuberculosis?

• You can only get TB if you come into contact with others who have it. Here are some situations that could increase your risk:

1. A friend, co-worker, or family member has active TB disease.
2. You live or have traveled to an area where TB is common, like Russia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
3. You’re part of a group where TB is more likely to spread, or you work or live with someone who is. This includes homeless people, people with HIV, and IV drug users.
4. You work or live in a hospital or nursing home.
5. Weak immune system