Health Education

TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads from person to person through the air when someone with active TB of the lungs coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.

Risk Factors

• Close contact with a person who has active TB

• HIV infection

• Weak immune system

• Malnutrition

• Diabetes

• Overcrowded living conditions

• Smoking and substance abuse

• Persistent cough (lasting more than two weeks)
• Chest pain

• Coughing up blood

• Fever

• Night sweats

• Weight loss

• Fatigue

At KIDH, TB is diagnosed using advanced laboratory technologies including:

• Sputum smear microscopy

• GeneXpert MTB/RIF testing

• TB culture and drug susceptibility testing

• Chest X-ray

• Molecular diagnostic techniques (for drug resistance detection)

• Early testing and prompt treatment

• Proper ventilation in homes and workplaces

• Wearing masks in high-risk settings

• TB preventive therapy for high-risk individuals

• Infection prevention and control measures

• BCG vaccination in children

TB is treatable and curable.

• Drug-sensitive TB is treated with a combination of antibiotics for 6 months.

• Drug-resistant TB requires longer treatment with specialized second-line medicines.

• Treatment adherence is critical to prevent resistance.

• Patients receive comprehensive clinical monitoring and support services at KIDH.