Tuberculosis (TB) in children is TREATABLE and CURABLE with proper medication! India has high TB burden, but with early diagnosis and complete treatment, children recover fully. If your child has prolonged cough (2+ weeks), unexplained fever, weight loss, or has been exposed to someone with TB, get them tested. BCG vaccine at birth provides protection, and TB treatment is available FREE at government hospitals.
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Key facts:
In children:
| Type | Meaning | Symptoms | Contagious |
|---|---|---|---|
| TB exposure | Been around someone with TB | None | No |
| Latent TB infection | Bacteria in body, not active | None | No |
| Active TB disease | Bacteria causing illness | Yes, sick | Usually not in children |
Main ways:
Risk factors:
| Risk Factor | Why It Matters |
|---|---|
| Household contact with TB patient | Most common cause in children |
| Crowded living conditions | More exposure risk |
| Malnutrition | Weakened immunity |
| HIV infection | Compromised immunity |
| Under 5 years age | Immature immune system |
| Not vaccinated (BCG) | Less protection |
Classic symptoms:
May differ from adults:
| Age | Common Presentations |
|---|---|
| Infants | Poor feeding, failure to thrive, fever |
| Toddlers | Fever, cough, weight loss, swollen glands |
| Older children | More like adults: cough, fever, night sweats |
TB can affect:
Tests used:
| Test | What It Shows | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Mantoux/TST (skin test) | TB exposure/infection | Positive in infection, may be false negative |
| Chest X-ray | Lung involvement | Important for diagnosis |
| Sputum test (GeneXpert) | Active TB bacteria | Difficult to get from children |
| Gastric aspirate | TB bacteria | For children who can't cough sputum |
| IGRA blood test | TB infection | Alternative to skin test |
Diagnosis in children is often "clinical" - based on:
Available at:
Standard treatment:
Treatment is FREE under government DOTS program!
| Medicine | Abbreviation |
|---|---|
| Isoniazid | H |
| Rifampicin | R |
| Pyrazinamide | Z |
| Ethambutol | E |
Child-friendly formulations available!
Why you must complete:
NEVER stop medicines even if child feels better!
Medication management:
Nutrition is key:
Home care:
| Do | Avoid |
|---|---|
| Give all medicines on time | Skipping doses |
| Nutritious diet | Junk food only |
| Fresh air, sunlight | Crowded, closed spaces |
| Regular doctor visits | Ignoring follow-ups |
| Encourage rest | Overexertion |
Given at birth:
Note: BCG doesn't completely prevent TB but reduces severe disease
If adult in house has TB:
For children exposed to TB but not infected:
DOTS Program provides:
Nikshay (National TB Program):
Good news:
Key to success: Complete the full course of treatment!
A: Yes, children usually get TB from adults at home. If someone has active TB, get your child tested. Doctor may recommend: Mantoux test, chest X-ray. Even if tests are negative, child may need preventive treatment (IPT) for 6 months. Most important: ensure the adult completes their treatment! Good ventilation and covering cough helps prevent spread.
A: BCG provides partial protection, especially against severe forms like TB meningitis. But it doesn't fully prevent lung TB. Even vaccinated children can get TB if exposed. BCG scar is not guarantee of immunity. If child has symptoms or exposure, still get tested. BCG is important but not 100% protection.
A: YES! TB diagnosis and treatment is completely FREE under government DOTS program. Available at government hospitals, PHCs, DOTS centers. Treatment includes all medicines for 6 months. Also Nikshay Poshan Yojana provides Rs 500/month nutrition support. Register at any government TB center.
A: After starting treatment, children usually become non-infectious within 2-3 weeks. Pediatric TB is generally less contagious than adult TB. Doctor will advise when safe to return to school (usually after 2-4 weeks of treatment). Ensure child takes medicines on time, even at school. Inform school if needed.
A: Standard TB treatment is 6 months - no longer needed after that IF completed properly. Some forms (bone TB, TB meningitis) need longer treatment (9-12 months). NEVER stop before completing course even if child seems well - this causes drug-resistant TB which is very difficult to treat. After completion, no ongoing medicine needed.
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This article was reviewed by a pediatrician. Last updated: January 2025
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