Greater Noida: On the occasion of World Tuberculosis Day, Fortis Hospital, Greater Noida has expressed concern over the increasing cases of TB in urban areas including Delhi-NCR. Dr. Tanushree Gehlot, Additional Director – Respiratory Medicine, Fortis Greater Noida, shared the latest statistics and emphasized the need for timely identification and treatment. In the last six months, about 200 TB patients have been diagnosed at Fortis Greater Noida, that is, on average 30 to 40 new cases are being reported every month. Of these, 80% of the patients were found to have pulmonary TB, in which pleural effusion and lymph nodes were also affected. At the same time, in 10-15% of the patients, TB affected two or more organs and in 5% of the cases, the patients reached an advanced stage or life-threatening condition.
TB is no longer limited to rural or low-income groups. Overcrowding, poor ventilation, malnutrition, stress and lifestyle diseases like diabetes are driving up TB cases even in the higher-income groups. “Men are being affected more by TB, with 60-70% of cases reported in men and 30-40% in women. Late detection of the disease remains a major challenge, mainly due to ignoring early symptoms, self-administration of antibiotics and not consulting a doctor on time
Dr Tanushree Gehlot
Dr Gehlot also warned of the rising threat of MDR-TB (Multi Drug Resistant TB)
Incomplete treatment, lack of nutrition, diseases like HIV and diabetes, smoking and alcohol addiction are promoting MDR-TB. The presence of wrong medicines and lack of adequate testing facilities are also making the situation worse. Air pollution in Delhi-NCR is also weakening lung health and increasing the risk of TB. Earlier, TB patients were sent to sanatoriums in hilly areas so that clean air could help in treatment, this is equally important today.
Fortis Greater Noida identified timely testing, complete treatment and lifestyle modification as the three main pillars of TB control.