In India, Tuberculosis isn’t just part of the past — its in the present.
From chronic coughs to unexplained fevers, TB hides behind many common complaints. And yet, it’s often overlooked unless you’re actively thinking about it.
History taking can be life-saving.
Previous TB treatment? Family history? Exposure? Weight loss, night sweats?
TB is associated with several departments too. These questions matter — especially in high-prevalence areas like India.
What’s another disease you believe should always be included in history taking and in which department ?
Another disease that should always be considered during history taking is diabetes,especially in departments like dermatology (slow-healing wounds), ophthalmology (retinopathy), and even psychiatry (as it impacts mood and cognition). It’s more common than we think.
TB is still prevalent in India and even in seemingly healthy individuals from well off surroundings…Its sometimes diagnosed very late after it becomes a multisystem disorder and hides as fatigue without other symptoms..
HIV is another one to never skip in history taking, especially in skin, women’s health, and general medicine cases. Sometimes the signs are subtle, but catching them early can make a significant difference.
Another disease that should always be included in history taking is hepatitis B or C
Department: Gastroenterology or Infectious Disease
Both hepatitis B and C are chronic viral infections that can lead to cirrhosis, liver failure, and liver cancer if not properly managed. They’re often asymptomatic in the early stages, so asking about risk factors such as IV drug use, history of blood transfusions, unprotected sex, or travel to regions with higher prevalence is crucial.
Given the serious long-term complications, early detection and appropriate referral to gastroenterology or infectious disease can greatly impact patient outcomes.
Cardiac disease should definitely be part of routine history taking especially in departments like anesthesiology, general surgery, dentistry, and orthopedics, where underlying heart conditions can impact treatment plans or anesthesia risks. Asking about chest pain, breathlessness, palpitations, hypertension, family history of heart disease, or past cardiac events can make a huge difference in preventing complications and tailoring care appropriately.
I think HIV/AIDS should always be in the back of our minds during history taking. It’s not about suspicion, it’s about responsibility because, early detection can literally save lives. The tricky part is, symptoms can be vague or masked by other conditions. But if we ask gently and without judgment, we might open the door for someone to share what they’ve been too afraid to say. Sometimes, that one conversation can be the difference between years of silent suffering and a chance at proper care.
So true, HIV doesn’t just weaken immunity but also affects multiple systems, making its comprehensive care even more important, which can only be done by being non-judgmental so the patient shares details and we can detect it early.
TB is still a big concern, especially in India. I think diabetes should also be included in history taking, especially in medicine and surgery departments. It affects healing, immunity, and even response to treatment. Many patients don’t know they have it until complications show up. Asking the right questions early can really change the outcome.