Discuss the causes, symptoms and dietary management of tuberculosis.

1. 1 · Open in two lines. Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It causes long-standing fever and wasting.
2. 2 · Cause, spread and risk factors. Droplet spread; undernutrition, HIV, diabetes, smoking, alcohol, overcrowding.
3. 3 · Symptoms. Cough over 2 weeks, evening fever, night sweats, weight loss, anorexia, haemoptysis.
4. 4 · Draw the TB-undernutrition cycle. [Cycle: undernutrition → low immunity → active TB → poor appetite and fever → more weight loss → undernutrition]
5. 5 · Diet principles. Energy 35-40 kcal/kg, protein 1.2-1.5 g/kg, moderate fat, high calcium, vitamins A, C, D and B6, iron, zinc, small frequent meals, no alcohol.
6. 6 · Foods, menu and support. Include and avoid lists; high-calorie high-protein menu; Nikshay Poshan Yojana.
7. 7 · Close in one line. Drugs kill the germ, but food rebuilds the patient and prevents relapse.

Scoring tip: Draw the undernutrition-TB cycle; it shows why diet is part of treatment, not an extra.