Why Are TB Cases Rising In Young Adults – What You Should Know? – News18
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TB is a major public health issue that needs to be addressed among young adults
World TB Day 2025: Tuberculosis is both preventable and treatable. (Image: Shutterstock)
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious illness caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when people with tuberculosis cough, sneeze, or spit. This can release tiny droplets containing germs into the air. Another person can then breathe in the droplets, allowing the germs to enter their lungs. TB which was considered as the disease of the old has also started affecting young adults. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), there were 6.4 million new cases of tuberculosis (TB) and 1.6 million cases of TB-related mortality at the global level in 2021.1 Of the new cases, 1.06 million adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 24 years were affected by TB. Dr Raj Kumar, Consultant – Internal Medicine, Indian Spinal Injuries Centre, Vasant Kunj shares all you need to know:
Why is Tuberculosis rising in young adults?
Adolescence and early adulthood are widely recognized as high-risk periods for tuberculosis infection, illness, and severe effects. Young people are more likely to develop tuberculosis and have more social contacts outside the home than young children aged 0-4 years. Changes in social life may also have an impact on their exposure risk for tuberculosis, and coinfections, malnutrition, and substance abuse may reduce their immune response to the disease.
Moreover, since the majority of teenagers and young adults attend school, colleges and offices, the risk of transmission in non-household contacts may increase. Other reasons may include:
1. Weekend Immune system due to lifestyle factors- The immune system can be weakened by modern lifestyle choices that include smoking, stress, poor nutrition, and sleep deprivation, leaving young adults more at risk for diseases like tuberculosis
2. Increased urbanisation and population- Young adults are more likely to live in densely populated cities where close contact with others increases the chances of airborne transmission of TB
3. Delayed diagnosis- Early signs of tuberculosis, such fatigue, a moderate fever, and a persistent cough, are sometimes confused with other respiratory illnesses. Delays seeking medical care among young adults may result in higher rates of transmission and more severe disease development
What are the symptoms of Tuberculosis?
For early diagnosis and treatment, it is crucial to identify the early indicators of tuberculosis. Typical signs and symptoms include:
• Continuous Cough
• Chest Pain
• Night Sweats
• Unexplained weight loss
• Fatigue and Weakness
• Unexplained Fever
What is the treatment option available?
After a diagnosis, TB is usually treated with medicines for six to nine months. For a longer period of time, treatment for drug-resistant TB may involve a mix of specific medication. To avoid resistance and relapse, patients must finish the entire course of medicine. The patient’s body weight should determine how much medication is given. Under direct observation (DOTS), every patient should have their daily dose of TB medication. The patient must take the TB medication in front of a DOTS agent, who is typically a community volunteer and maybe a family member, as part of DOTS (Directly Observed Therapy Short Term).
TB is a major public health issue that needs to be addressed among young adults. This trend has been influenced by drug resistance, lifestyle variables, and greater urbanization. It is important to consult your doctor if you recognise the symptoms as early detection can help manage TB. Controlling TB and protecting young adults from its adverse effects requires early detection, appropriate treatment, and enhanced public health initiatives. The effect and spread of tuberculosis at this young age can be considerably decreased by increasing awareness and promoting immediate medical care.
