← Health · Breathing & lungs
General health information, not a diagnosis. In an emergency, call 102. Always consult a qualified health professional.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It is preventable and curable with appropriate treatment. Symptoms include a persistent cough lasting two weeks or more, often with blood, fever, night sweats, weight loss, and fatigue. TB spreads through close, crowded indoor contact, especially among people with compromised immune systems. Home care involves taking all prescribed medications for the full course, even after feeling better, to prevent relapse and resistance. Early diagnosis and treatment, along with good ventilation and covering coughs, are crucial. If symptoms persist or worsen, seek medical attention. In Nepal, the National TB Programme provides free diagnosis and treatment (DOTS) at government health facilities. Regular screenings are recommended for certain age groups, including colorectal cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer, and high blood pressure. For adults aged 50 to 64, additional screenings like colonoscopy every 10 years or mammogram every 2 years are recommended. For adults aged 65 and older, colonoscopy every 10 years or mammogram every 2 years is recommended. Red-flag signs include coughing up blood, severe breathlessness, or chest pain.
Sources: World Health Organization · Nepal MoHP — Epidemiology and Disease Control Division · CDC, USPSTF · MedlinePlus (NLM)
TB is caused by bacteria that most often attack the lungs. It is preventable and curable with a full course of free medicines.
Sources: World Health Organization
A cough lasting two weeks or more, sometimes with blood, plus fever, night sweats, weight loss and tiredness.
Sources: World Health Organization
Spread when a person with lung TB coughs or sneezes. Close, crowded indoor contact raises the risk.
Sources: World Health Organization
TB must be treated by a health service; take every dose for the full course even after you feel better, or the TB can return and become resistant. Cover coughs and keep rooms ventilated.
Sources: World Health Organization
Any cough lasting two weeks or longer should be checked with a sputum or molecular test at a health facility.
Sources: World Health Organization
Early diagnosis and treatment, good ventilation, covering coughs, and BCG vaccination for newborns.
Sources: World Health Organization
Nepal's National TB Programme provides free diagnosis and treatment (DOTS) at government health facilities.
Sources: Nepal MoHP — Epidemiology and Disease Control Division
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