Can Children Get Tuberculosis (TB)?
Key Questions Answered
Q1. Can children get TB?
Answer: Yes. Tuberculosis can affect children of all ages. Young children, especially those below five years of age, are at higher risk of developing TB if they are in close contact with a person suffering from infectious pulmonary TB. Early diagnosis and timely treatment can cure most children completely.
Q2. Which children are at greater risk of TB?
Answer: Children are at higher risk if they :
live with a TB patient,
are below five years of age, are malnourished,
have weakened immunity due to illness or medications,
live in overcrowded conditions with poor ventilation.
Q3. What are the common symptoms of TB in children?
Answer: Childhood TB often presents with:
Persistent fever lasting more than two weeks.
Persistent cough.
Poor weight gain or weight loss.
Loss of appetite.
Reduced activity or playfulness.
Swelling of neck glands. Unlike adults, children may have less obvious symptoms. Parents should seek medical advice if these symptoms persist.
Q4. How is TB diagnosed in children?
Answer: Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation, history of contact with a TB patient, chest X-ray, microbiological tests (such as CBNAAT/Truenat where appropriate) and other investigations as required. Diagnosing TB in children can be more challenging than in adults and often requires careful clinical assessment.
Q5. Can childhood TB be prevented?
Answer: Yes. Childhood TB can often be prevented through:
BCG vaccination at birth.
Early detection and treatment of TB patients in the family.
Household contact screening.
TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) for eligible child contacts.
Good nutrition and a smoke-free home environment.
Q6. Is childhood TB curable?
Answer: Absolutely. With early diagnosis, regular treatment and family support, most children with TB recover completely and lead healthy lives.
Q7. What is your message for parents?
Answer: If anyone in the family is diagnosed with TB, every child in the household should be evaluated for TB. Eligible children should receive TB Preventive Treatment (TPT) even if they do not have symptoms. Early action can save lives.
*Conclusion* Dr S K Arora states that around 1.2 million children worldwide develop TB every year.
Children account for about 11% of all TB cases globally. In India, 1,43,174 childhood TB cases were notified under NTEP during 2023, highlighting the need for greater awareness and early diagnosis. Every Child Living with a TB Patient Should Be Screened for TB.
Eligible Children Should Receive TB Preventive Treatment (TPT).
End Tobacco. → End TB. → Save Lives.
Dr S K Arora
WHO Awardee | Senior Chest Specialist | TB Expert | Tobacco Control Advocate
