Coimbatore: A recent study by the health department has found that the tuberculosis (TB) patients in the age bracket of 43 to 66 years in the district had a high chance of succumbing to the disease. Every year, around 4,000 TB patients are identified in Coimbatore.
Tuberculosis is one of the major diseases in India, which accounts for nearly one third of the global burden of the disease that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
According to the health department data, TB deaths was high among the patients in the age group of 43-66 years in Coimbatore district. “In 2022, 223 of of the 344 TB deaths in the district were reported from this category, which accounted for 195 of the 300 deaths in 2023,” said a source.
Speaking to TOI, Dr M Sakthivel, deputy director of medical services (TB), said TB and poverty were closely associated. “Various reasons contribute to death, including delay in identifying TB and low immunity.”
According to him, TB causes weight loss and patients with a body mass index below 14 are classified as severely ill. “The recent study helped us identify the vulnerable age and weight band groups. We will follow-up with the patients every 15 days to check for complications and ensure regular medication. Those in the 43-60 age category are earning members of the family. If they die in that prime age, their families will be affected. To prevent deaths, we are closely monitoring patients in the initial eight weeks of treatment, when most of the TB-related deaths occur.”
Another official with the health department said they would soon provide nine True NAAT machines to the primary health centres at Somanur, SS Kulam, Periyapodhu, Nallatipalayam, Negamam, Madukkarai and Poluvapatti to diagnose TB at an early stage.
“These machines enable rapid detection of TB, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Each machine costs Rs13 lakh.”
Dr S Gowthaman, a pulmonologist from Coimbatore, emphasized on the need to undergo a sputum test upon experiencing TB symptoms such as persistent cough lasting for more than two weeks, coughing up blood or sputum, weight loss and shortness of breath. He said both the test and treatment were available at all the primary health centres.
Tuberculosis is one of the major diseases in India, which accounts for nearly one third of the global burden of the disease that spreads through the air when infected people cough, sneeze or spit.
According to the health department data, TB deaths was high among the patients in the age group of 43-66 years in Coimbatore district. “In 2022, 223 of of the 344 TB deaths in the district were reported from this category, which accounted for 195 of the 300 deaths in 2023,” said a source.
Speaking to TOI, Dr M Sakthivel, deputy director of medical services (TB), said TB and poverty were closely associated. “Various reasons contribute to death, including delay in identifying TB and low immunity.”
According to him, TB causes weight loss and patients with a body mass index below 14 are classified as severely ill. “The recent study helped us identify the vulnerable age and weight band groups. We will follow-up with the patients every 15 days to check for complications and ensure regular medication. Those in the 43-60 age category are earning members of the family. If they die in that prime age, their families will be affected. To prevent deaths, we are closely monitoring patients in the initial eight weeks of treatment, when most of the TB-related deaths occur.”
Another official with the health department said they would soon provide nine True NAAT machines to the primary health centres at Somanur, SS Kulam, Periyapodhu, Nallatipalayam, Negamam, Madukkarai and Poluvapatti to diagnose TB at an early stage.
“These machines enable rapid detection of TB, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment initiation. Each machine costs Rs13 lakh.”
Dr S Gowthaman, a pulmonologist from Coimbatore, emphasized on the need to undergo a sputum test upon experiencing TB symptoms such as persistent cough lasting for more than two weeks, coughing up blood or sputum, weight loss and shortness of breath. He said both the test and treatment were available at all the primary health centres.
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