Tuberculosis Treatment in Siliguri

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While it primarily attacks the lungs, it can also spread to other organs, such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. According to the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare (2025), the incidence rate of TB cases has dropped by nearly 17.7%, from 237 cases per 1 lakh people in 2015 to 195 in 2023, under the National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) in India.

The role of renowned pulmonologists, such as Dr. Abhishek Bali, who offers the best tuberculosis treatment in Siliguri, has been significant in terms of ensuring macro-level national policies successfully translate into high cure rates.

Academic Achievement: He performed the first-ever Medical Pleuroscopy in North Bengal and Sikkim, and he is currently the Head of the Pulmonology Department at Maxwell Hospital & Research Centre.

Why Choose Dr. Abhishek Bali For Tuberculosis Treatment?

As a leading TB specialist in Siliguri, Dr. Abhishek Bali combines advanced academic training in respiratory medicine (MBBS, MD) with intensive fellowships in interventional pulmonology. In addition, he focuses on bridging the gap between national elimination targets and individualized patient recovery.

Here are the top reasons to choose him for TB treatment:

Critical Care Specialization

He specializes in managing high-risk TB emergencies, such as severe hemoptysis (coughing blood).

Advanced Training

He has received advanced training in Interventional Pulmonology, EBUS (Endobronchial Ultrasound), and Medical Pleuroscopy.

Patient-Centric Care

He focuses on long-term therapy so that the risk of relapses and drug mutations is significantly reduced.

14+ Years of Experience

He has been associated with pulmonology care since 2012 after completing his MBBS. His extensive qualification of MD in Respiratory Medicine and simultaneous practice make him a highly trusted pulmonologist.

Reputed Hospital Affiliations

He leads the pulmonology department at Maxwell Hospital & Research Centre, which is a top multi-specialty hospital in Siliguri with advanced emergency care and world-class diagnostic facilities.

What Is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, but in some cases, it can also spread to other parts of the body, including the brain, spine, kidneys, and lymph nodes. TB develops when the bacteria enter the body and begin multiplying, causing inflammation and damage to the affected tissues.

There are two main forms of tuberculosis: latent TB and active TB. In latent TB, the bacteria remain inactive in the body and do not cause symptoms. In active TB, the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, and fatigue. Early diagnosis and timely treatment are essential to prevent complications and reduce the spread of infection. Dr. Abhishek Bali offers advanced TB diagnosis in Siliguri with a focus on accurate diagnosis, effective therapy, and long-term recovery.

Causes and Risk Factors of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis spreads through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. However, not everyone exposed to TB bacteria becomes infected. Certain health conditions, lifestyle habits, and environmental factors can increase the risk of developing active tuberculosis.

Here are some of the most common causes and risk factors of tuberculosis:

Weakened Immune System

People with conditions such as HIV/AIDS, diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or cancer have a higher risk of developing active TB because their immune system is less able to fight infections.

Smoking

Tobacco use damages the lungs and weakens the body's natural defense mechanisms, increasing the likelihood of TB infection and complications.

Excessive Alcohol Consumption

Heavy alcohol use can impair immune function and make it harder for the body to control TB bacteria.

Malnutrition

Poor nutrition and low body weight reduce the body's ability to fight infections, making individuals more vulnerable to tuberculosis.

Close Contact with TB Patients

Living with or spending long periods around someone with untreated active TB increases the risk of exposure and infection.

Overcrowded Living Conditions

Crowded and poorly ventilated environments allow TB bacteria to spread more easily from person to person.

Immunosuppressive Medications

Certain medications used to treat autoimmune diseases or prevent organ transplant rejection can weaken the immune system and increase TB risk.

Advancing Age

Older adults may have a higher risk of developing active TB due to age-related weakening of the immune system.

Identifying these risk factors early and consulting a tuberculosis doctor in Siliguri can help with timely diagnosis, effective treatment, and prevention of serious complications.

How Does Tuberculosis Spread?

Knowing the key contributing factors and risk factors of catching Tuberculosis can help with early diagnosis, preventing the spread of infection, and targeting preventive treatment for vulnerable populations.

Let us first know how TB spreads:

Airborne Droplets

The bacteria spreads through the air when an infected person with TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or spits.

Inhalation

A healthy individual can contract the infection by breathing in microscopic droplets containing TB bacteria.

Prolonged Contact

For TB bacteria to be transmitted, it takes close, repeated, or prolonged indoor exposure to an untreated individual.

Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis

TB bacteria slow down the body’s systems, which leads to symptoms developing gradually over the course of a few weeks. As part of providing TB treatment in Siliguri, Dr, Abhishek Bali emphasizes educating the people about the common symptoms that must not be ignored.

Here are some of the common symptoms that require immediate evaluation from a specialist:

How Is Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

Since TB bacteria tend to hide in the body without creating any distinct symptoms, TB treatment specialists, such as Dr. Abhishek Bali, use specific tools to detect both latent and active infections. Here are the different types of diagnostic procedures used by him:

Molecular Tests

Advanced DNA tests, such as CBNAAT or GeneXpert, help identify if the strain is resistant to standard medications. In addition, these tests help detect the genetic material of the bacteria.

Chest X-Ray or CT Scan

This is based on looking for structural changes in the lungs, such as scarring or fluid accumulation.

Sputum Smear Microscopy

This test involves examining the coughed-up mucus under a microscope to spot the bacteria.

Mycobacterial Culture

A sample of the sputum is incubated in the lab to grow the bacteria, which is considered the most accurate method.

Pleural Fluid Analysis

Fluid is obtained from the lining of the lungs to confirm infection by chemical and microscopic evaluation.

Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA)

This is a single-visit blood test that measures how the immune system reacts to TB bacteria.

Testimonials

I had been suffering from a severe, painful cough and extreme weight loss for over a month. After visiting multiple clinics without relief, I finally received an accurate diagnosis through rapid molecular testing by Dr. Abhishek Bali. His treatment plan was well structured, which promoted quick recovery from TB.

Pranesh BoseSiliguri

Being diagnosed with Multi-Drug Resistant TB (MDR-TB) was terrifying because standard medicines weren't working for me. Thankfully, I came to know about Dr. Abhishek Bali from my relative. His specialized treatment with close monitoring of my liver and kidney health pulled me through the toughest times of my life.

Somnath Barui, Matigara

I developed a persistent low-grade fever and severe breathlessness, but my standard sputum tests kept coming back negative. After consulting Dr. Abhishek Bali, he performed a thorough chest ultrasound and fluid analysis, which showed fluid accumulation around my lungs caused by TB. The targeted fluid extraction and immediate therapy cured me completely.

Riya Dewan, Siliguri

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