Despite completing anti-TB treatment, many tuberculosis (TB) survivors continue to grapple with long-term breathing difficulties and other health issues. Durga, a 28-year-old TB survivor, still experiences shortness of breath months after treatment completion, highlighting the lasting impact of the disease on lung health.
TB, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, remains a global health challenge, with over 10 million new cases annually. India, China, and Indonesia report the highest TB burden, contributing significantly to global infection rates.
Survivors often face post-TB complications, ranging from minor breathing difficulties to chronic lung conditions like Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disorder (COPD). The disease’s inflammatory response can lead to lung damage, impairing breathing function even after treatment.
Drug-resistant TB strains pose additional challenges to treatment efficacy. Patients like Durga, who discontinued treatment prematurely, are at heightened risk of developing drug-resistant TB, exacerbating lung damage and complicating recovery.
Efforts to address TB must include long-term support and monitoring for survivors to manage post-TB symptoms effectively. Enhanced research into the impact of different TB strains on lung health is crucial for developing targeted interventions and mitigating long-term consequences.
