Women in MNCs at greater risk of TB due to work stress and poor nutrition: Experts

Women working in multinational corporations (MNCs) are increasingly vulnerable to tuberculosis (TB) due to work-related stress and neglect of proper nutrition, warn pulmonologists on the occasion of World TB Day. Experts note that career-driven professionals, along with homemakers, often prioritise work or family over their health, leading to weakened immunity and higher susceptibility to infections like TB.

Dr. Kollabattula Ratnababu, an interventional pulmonologist at Aster Prime Hospital said homemakers tend to ignore their own health while taking care of their families, delaying diagnosis and treatment. Adding to this, Dr. M. Rajeev, a pulmonologist highlighted India accounts for 25% of global cases.

TB is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which remains dormant in most people but becomes active when immunity is compromised. Poor diet, chronic stress and conditions like diabetes, thyroid disorders, and hypertension can significantly lower immunity. Dr. Ratnababu pointed out that women, particularly homemakers, are more prone to lymph node TB. “Swelling in the neck can be an early sign, and if left untreated, it can lead to pus formation,” he said.

To tackle TB, the central government has launched initiatives like the Nikshay Poshan Yojana, offering free medication and ₹500 per month in nutritional support for TB patients. Additionally, all essential TB drugs have been combined into a single tablet to simplify treatment. The Telangana government has intensified its efforts with programmes such as the 100-Day TB Elimination Special Program, mobile TB testing units and the Swasthya Nagaram project.