Tuberculosis: Role of immunity, treatment and patience
Tuberculosis is a serious health concern in India. Preliminary diagnosis, proper treatment, and lifestyle changes such as balanced diet, adequate sleep, and quitting or leaving alcohol can also make recovery in complex cases.
In short
- Tuberculosis is a major health concern across India
- Lifestyle factor can spoil the results and recovery of tuberculosis
- Delayed treatment leads to serious complications and hospitals hospitalized
Tuberculosis (TB) is a common and serious health concern in India. Despite awareness, many adults underestimate the disease, especially when early symptoms such as fatigue, persistent cough, weight loss or loss of appetite appear. Lifestyle factors such as irregular sleep, poor nutrition, smoking and alcohol can weaken immune, which can make the body susceptible to TB and complicate recovery.
Initial diagnosis and proper care are important. Delayed treatment can lead to serious complications, prolonged recovery and even hospitalized. Talking to India today, Advisor at Respiratory Medicine, Manipal Hospital Maleshwaram. Anusha CM insisted, “Strengthen immunity through a balanced diet, adequate sleep and an active lifestyle is as important as medical treatment. Constant symptoms should not be ignored.”
Case study: Long road for recovery of Manish
Manish (name changed), a 41 -year -old graphic designer from Bangalore, realized how quickly lifestyle habits could affect health. After joining a new job in Electronic City, 35-40 km from the house slipped – left with breakfast, late dinner, irregular sleep, 20 years of smoking and alcohol consumption. Soon, fatigue, loss of appetite, persistent cough, and swollen legs inspired their family to seek medical treatment.
Shocking diagnosis
A chest X-ray revealed abnormal op regardless of its left lungs. In Manipal Hospital Maleshwaram, Dr. Anusha CM, Advisor in respiratory medicine, confirmed pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB) with fluid in the lungs. Blood tests also showed low protein levels, making recovery difficult – possibly due to poor nutrition and lifestyle habits. Manish was immediately launched on tubercular treatment (ATT) and albumin supplementation.
Complications and conservative care
Just in treatment, he developed chest discomfort and shortness of breath. A repeat X-ray revealed a rare right-way hydropanumothorax-accumulation of air and fluid into the-fafra. An intercostal chest drain (ICD) was inserted, but later he developed a grade 4 leather emphysema, which spread to air, legs, necks and stomach, which requires careful suction therapy. ATT also collapses blood count, requiring high dosage corticosteroids that further suppresses immunity.
The most important phase came when he developed a bronchopalal fistula – a small hole between the lungs and the pleural location – preventing removing the chest tube. Surgery was avoided, and low-power suction, lung exercise continued to conservative care, and regular monitoring. Talking to India today, Dr. Anusha CM said, “Sometimes it is the best way to give time to heal to the body. Recovery from conservative care with patience and proper support can be possible – even in such complex cases.”
Lifestyle changes and flexibility
After about 1.5 months, the air leakage stopped and the chest tube was removed. Manish also made major lifestyle changes – leaving alcohol and cigarettes, improving diet and preferring sleep. “What I could do in 30, my body cannot support 40. Eat well, sleep right, and be active,” he advises.
Although he lost his job due to TB stigma, Manish is slowly coming back on his feet. Dr. Anusha CM further told India Today, “Tuberculosis is still very common in India. Strengthen immunity with proper sleep, balanced nutrition, activity and stress management. Constant cough, fatigue, weight loss, or loss of appetite should indicate initial consultation with a pleuralologist.”
Manish’s story highlights that patience, treatment, and lifestyle changes are also necessary to overcome complex TB cases.
