Pulmonary Tuberculosis Specialists in Telangana

What is the difference between latent and active TB?

In latent TB the bacteria are dormant, cause no symptoms, and cannot be spread to others, while in active TB the bacteria are multiplying, causing symptoms like cough and fever, and can be transmitted through the air. Latent TB can be treated preventively to stop it from ever becoming active disease.

Is pulmonary tuberculosis curable?

Yes, it is both preventable and curable with a full course of multi-drug antibiotic therapy, typically lasting a minimum of six months, and completing the entire course is essential to achieve a cure and avoid drug-resistant strains developing. Stopping treatment early is one of the main reasons resistant TB develops.

How contagious is active pulmonary TB?

It spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks, and close, prolonged contact in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces significantly increases transmission risk. Most casual, brief contact carries a much lower risk than sharing a household or workspace with an infectious person.

Why does treatment take so many months?

Mycobacterium tuberculosis grows slowly and can persist in a dormant state within the body, so a prolonged combination of antibiotics is needed to fully eradicate the bacteria and prevent relapse or the emergence of drug resistance. Directly observed therapy is often used to help ensure the full course is completed.

Can TB come back after being cured once?

Yes, reinfection or relapse is possible, particularly in someone with ongoing risk factors like HIV, diabetes, or malnutrition that weaken the immune system, so completing the full treatment course and managing these conditions afterward both help prevent recurrence. Any return of persistent cough or weight loss after treatment should be evaluated promptly.