A growing number of tuberculosis (TB) survivors in South Africa are suffering from long-term lung damage, even after completing treatment and being declared cured, according to medical experts and public health researchers. These findings have raised concerns about post-TB care in a country with one of the highest TB burdens in the world.
Health specialists report that many former TB patients continue to experience chronic respiratory problems such as breathlessness, persistent coughing, and reduced physical stamina. These symptoms are often linked to structural lung damage caused by the disease, including scarring, airway obstruction, and in severe cases, bronchiectasis.
South Africa accounts for a significant portion of global TB cases, with thousands of people diagnosed each year. While efforts to treat and control the spread of the disease have improved over time, post-treatment complications remain largely under-addressed. Experts argue that the healthcare system has focused heavily on TB detection and drug treatment, with limited support for patients’ long-term recovery.
Dr. Thandeka Mokoena, a pulmonologist based in Johannesburg, stated that lung damage from TB is a silent epidemic that affects quality of life and contributes to disability. We see many patients return months after being cured, struggling to breathe or work. The damage done by TB doesn’t just go away with antibiotics, she said.
In recent studies, it’s been found that up to 50% of TB survivors may have some form of post-TB lung impairment, though the severity varies. This has prompted calls for routine lung function testing and rehabilitation programs after TB treatment ends. However, such services remain limited, especially in rural and underserved areas.
Patients suffering from post-TB lung disease often face stigma and misunderstanding, as many people believe that a TB cure means complete recovery. Without awareness or specialized follow-up care, many continue to suffer in silence, unable to return to normal life or employment.
Public health experts are urging the government to integrate post-TB care into national TB programs. They advocate for a holistic approach that includes respiratory therapy, ongoing monitoring, and better education for both healthcare workers and the public.
As TB remains one of the leading causes of death in South Africa, addressing the long-term effects of the disease is seen as crucial for improving patient outcomes and reducing healthcare burdens.
