Tuberculosis (TB)
Curable with a full course of treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most often affects the lungs but can involve lymph glands, bones, the spine, the brain and other organs. TB spreads through the air when a person with lung TB coughs. It is curable when the full course of medicines is taken without breaks.

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About TB

What is tuberculosis?

TB germs spread in tiny droplets when someone with active lung TB coughs or sneezes. Many people who breathe in the germ never become ill — the infection stays inactive (latent TB). Active TB develops when the germs multiply, more often in people with diabetes, HIV, malnutrition or weak immunity. India runs a national TB elimination programme, and every TB case must be notified to health authorities.

  • Lung TB is the infectious form
  • TB outside the lungs is not usually infectious
  • Treatment usually lasts at least 6 months
  • Drug-resistant TB needs longer, special treatment
  • TB medicines are available free under the national programme

Test

Sputum test and chest X-ray.

Treat

Daily medicines for months.

Monitor

Regular check-ups and tests.

Protect

Cover coughs, screen family.

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Symptoms

Symptoms of TB

Lung TB symptoms build up slowly over weeks.

Long-lasting cough

A cough for more than two weeks.

Blood in phlegm

Streaks of blood when coughing.

Evening fever

Low-grade fever, often in the evening.

Night sweats

Drenching sweats at night.

Weight loss

Losing weight without trying.

Poor appetite

Not feeling like eating.

Tiredness

Feeling weak and run down.

Swollen glands

Lumps in the neck in gland TB.

See a doctor soon if: you have a cough for more than two weeks, cough up blood, or have fever with weight loss — especially if someone at home has TB. Call 0522-666-4444.

Diagnosis

How TB is diagnosed

TB is confirmed by finding the germ.

History and examination

Symptoms, contacts and risk factors.

Sputum tests

Microscopy and a molecular test that also checks for resistance to a key medicine.

Chest X-ray

Shows changes in the lungs.

Other samples

Biopsy or fluid tests for TB outside the lungs.

Blood tests

Sugar, HIV and liver tests before treatment.

Treatment

Treatment

TB is treated with a combination of medicines taken every day.

Standard treatment

Most people take four medicines for the first 2 months, then usually three medicines for at least 4 more months. Fixed-dose combination tablets make this simpler.

Take medicines every day, without gapsTake with food if advisedReport yellow eyes, rash or change in vision

Monitoring

  • Monthly review
  • Sputum tests at set points

Good to know

  • Lung TB usually stops being infectious within weeks of correct treatment
  • Feeling better does not mean TB is cured
Living with TB

During TB treatment

General guidance — always follow the advice your own doctor gives you.

Never miss doses

Use a pill box or phone reminder. If you miss doses, tell your doctor rather than doubling up.

Eat well

Good nutrition helps recovery. Include protein such as dal, eggs, milk or paneer. Avoid alcohol, which adds to liver strain with TB medicines.

Protect your family

Cover coughs, keep rooms airy, and ask for household contacts — especially children — to be screened.

Contact us urgently if

  • Coughing up a large amount of blood
  • Severe breathlessness
  • Yellow eyes or dark urine on treatment
  • Severe vomiting or rash on treatment
0522-666-4444
Myths & facts

Myths about TB

Tap a card to see the fact.

Myth

“TB affects only poor people.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Anyone can get TB. Diabetes, smoking and weak immunity raise the risk.

Myth

“TB cannot be cured.”

Tap to flip
Fact

TB is curable when the full course of medicines is completed.

Myth

“I can stop once the cough is gone.”

Tap to flip
Fact

Stopping early can bring TB back and cause drug resistance.

Your care team

Chest physicians

Pulmonary medicine Internal medicine Radiology
Practical help

What to bring, costs & insurance

A little preparation helps us help you faster.

What to bring to your visit

Tick off as you pack:

  • Old chest X-rays and sputum reports
  • Previous TB treatment records, if any
  • List of current medicines

Costs & insurance

Costs depend on the tests and treatment you need and the length of any hospital stay. Ask our team for a written estimate.

  • ✓Written estimate— ask for one before planned procedures or admission.
  • ✓Health insurance & TPA— cashless treatment for admissions under tie-up insurers; outpatient visits depend on your policy.
  • ✓Ayushman Bharat (PM-JAY) accepted for eligible admissions.
  • ✓Corporate & PSU panels— ask whether your employer has a tie-up with Charak Hospital.

*Coverage depends on your policy and the treatment. Our insurance desk can check this for you.

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FAQs

Frequently asked questions

Is TB infectious?

Lung TB can spread through the air. TB of other organs usually does not. Infectiousness falls quickly once correct treatment starts.

How long is TB treatment?

Usually at least 6 months for drug-sensitive TB, and longer for drug-resistant TB or TB of the brain or bones.

Can I work during treatment?

Many people return to work once their doctor confirms they are no longer infectious and they feel well enough.

Are TB medicines free?

TB medicines are provided free under India’s national TB elimination programme. Your doctor can guide you.

Glossary

Words you may hear

Latent TBInactive TB infection with no symptoms; not infectious.
SputumPhlegm coughed up from deep in the chest.
Drug-resistant TBTB that does not respond to one or more key medicines.
Extrapulmonary TBTB outside the lungs.

No matching term. Please ask your doctor at your next visit.

Related pages

Related departments and guides

Pulmonary medicine Pneumonia COPD Internal medicine Health library

Cough for more than two weeks?

Get tested. See a chest physician at Charak Hospital or call 0522-666-4444.

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Medical information disclaimer: This page provides general health information for patients and families. It is not a substitute for a consultation, diagnosis or treatment by a qualified doctor. Treatment decisions depend on each patient's individual condition. In an emergency, call 0522-666-4444 or go to the nearest emergency department.

About this page: Prepared by the Charak Hospital web team with the help of AI writing tools, using information from the Institute of Pulmonary & Sleep Medicine, Charak Hospital & Research Centre ·  Last updated: October 2026

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