India, Aug. 23 -- Tuberculosis (TB) is an ancient disease that affects not only the lungs but almost any part of the body. Historically known as 'consumption' or 'white death', TB remains a leading infectious killer. Tuberculosis typically begins when a person inhales mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria suspended in airborne droplets. Active TB develops whenever the immune system weakens due to any cause. Active lung TB is contagious, requiring immediate medical intervention. Besides cough, TB patients experience symptoms such as fevers, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue. In many cases, the TB bacteria infect other organs as well. Extra pulmonary TB accounts for a significant percentage of cases, particularly among children and immuno-compromised patients. The disease involves different systems in several distinct forms: TB lymphadenitis (scrofula) presents as painless, swollen lymph nodes; abdominal TB infects the gastrointestinal tract and presents with pain and distension due to presence of fluid (ascites); musculoskeletal and spinal TB (Pott's disease) targets the spine causing destruction of the intervertebral discs, bone collapse, severe back pain, nerve compression and kyphosis (a hunched spine); central nervous system (CNS) TB can cause meningitis and other complications especially in children. TB can also affect the skin, joints, heart, liver, kidneys and other organs. Fortunately, no matter what face tuberculosis shows, it is curable with a structured course of standard anti-tubercular treatment. The National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme and public awareness of its diverse symptoms remain our best weapon to unmask this ancient killer and eliminate it for good. The author of the article is an MBBS, DNB, DM pulmonary and critical care medicine (PGI Chandigarh), FCCP; consultant pulmonologist, Jindal Clinics, Centre for Interventional Pulmonology and Sleep Medicine, SCO 21, Sector 20-D, Chandigarh, who can be contacted at 958-246-9429...