04.01.2026 13:20
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karadağ stated that tuberculosis, commonly known as "the thin disease," primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph. Karadağ said, "If your cough has lasted more than 2 weeks, do not say 'I caught a cold, it's due to smoking, it will pass.' If you have symptoms such as cough, night sweats, persistent fever, loss of appetite, and rapid weight loss, consult a doctor without delay."
Chest Diseases Specialist Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karadağ, in a statement made due to the Tuberculosis Education and Awareness Week from January 4 to 10, highlighted important details. He pointed out that when tuberculosis (TB) is mentioned, the lungs come to mind first, but TB can also spread to other parts of the body through blood and lymph. Prof. Dr. Karadağ stated, "TB, also known as tuberculosis, can be confused with upper respiratory tract infections (URTIs) and flu, especially in its early stages. This similarity is unfortunately one of the biggest factors causing delays in the diagnosis of tuberculosis."
KNOWN AS "SILENT DISEASE" AMONG THE PUBLIC
Prof. Dr. Mehmet Karadağ noted that tuberculosis, known in medical terms as tuberculosis, is a chronic infectious disease caused by a bacterium called "Mycobacterium tuberculosis" (the tuberculosis bacillus), which is resistant to external environments and multiplies very slowly. He stated, "It is also known as 'silent disease' among the public due to its insidious progression and its ability to weaken the body. When tuberculosis is mentioned, the lungs come to mind first, as approximately 80% of patients are affected in the lungs. However, this bacterium can also spread to other parts of the body (spine, kidneys, meninges, bones, and lymph nodes) through blood and lymph. Upper respiratory tract infections and flu are often confused with tuberculosis in its early stages. This similarity is unfortunately one of the biggest factors causing delays in the diagnosis of tuberculosis."
"IF COUGH LASTS MORE THAN 2 WEEKS, DON'T SAY 'IT WILL PASS'"
Prof. Dr. Karadağ pointed out that cough, weakness, fatigue, and mild fever are common symptoms resulting from upper respiratory tract infections, flu, and tuberculosis affecting the respiratory system. He warned, "If your cough lasts more than 2 weeks, don't say 'I caught a cold, it's from smoking, it will pass.' Especially in regions like Bursa, where the air is humid and air pollution can be seen in winter, these symptoms are often masked."
"FIRST IN THE DEATH LIST FROM INFECTIOUS DISEASES IN THE WORLD"
Prof. Dr. Karadağ stated that according to the World Health Organization's reports by the end of 2025, tuberculosis has once again taken the first place in the death list caused by infectious diseases worldwide. He noted, "10.7 million new cases and 1.2 million deaths are recorded annually. The impact of the pandemic has caused a regression of about 8 years in the global fight against tuberculosis; the year 2026 has been declared as the 'Year of Acceleration' to compensate for this loss. Our country demonstrates a success above world standards with its 'National Tuberculosis Control Program.' The number of cases in Turkey, which was over 20,000 in 2005, has decreased to the range of 9,000 - 9,500 today. The incidence rate has dropped to 10.3 per 100,000 people, bringing Turkey to the threshold of 'elimination.' In Bursa, which is critically important in terms of industrial and population density, the annual number of registered patients is between 350-400. Bursa performs above the Turkish average with a treatment follow-up success rate of up to 95%," he said.
COUGH, NIGHT SWEATS, FEVER, RAPID WEIGHT LOSS...
Prof. Dr. Karadağ listed the symptoms that should be paid attention to in order to protect against and break the chain of the airborne tuberculosis bacillus, stating, "If there is a persistent cough lasting more than 2 weeks, night sweats, persistent fever, loss of appetite, rapid weight loss, weakness, and chest pain, one should not waste time and should consult Family Health Centers. When the diagnosis is confirmed or there is strong suspicion, the process should be managed from Tuberculosis Control Dispensaries. All medications used in treatment are sent by the Ministry of Health to be delivered to patients, and medication supply is provided from there. A patient diagnosed with tuberculosis loses their infectiousness 2-3 weeks after starting treatment. However, for complete recovery, medications must be used regularly for at least 6-9 months under the supervision of Tuberculosis Control Dispensaries (DGT). Stopping treatment halfway leads to a much more difficult and costly situation, such as 'Drug-Resistant Tuberculosis,'" he said.