SUMMARY BackgroundEffects of frequent nocturnal symptoms of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GERD-FNS) on health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and work productivity are not well documented.

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Adverse drug reactions (ADRs) to first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs are common and may cause associated morbidity and even mortality if not recognized early. 1-3 The overall prevalence of ADRs with first-line anti-tuberculosis drugs is estimated to vary from 8.0% to 85%. They are observed more commonly in the intensive phase and do not differ with intermittent or daily intake of anti-tuberculosis drugs. The occurrence of ADRs may be influenced by multiple factors and may range from mild gastrointestinal disturbances to serious hepatotoxicity, peripheral neuropathy, cutaneous adverse effects, etc. Early recognition and appropriate management of these adverse effects might determine adherence and treatment success.

Drug-resistant tuberculosis (DR-TB), including multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) and extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB), is considered a potential obstacle for elimination of TB globally. HIV coinfection with M/XDR-TB further complicates the scenario, and is a potential threat with challenging management. Reports have shown poor outcomes and alarmingly high mortality rates among people living with HIV (PLHIV) coinfected with M/XDR-TB. This coinfection is also responsible for all forms of M/XDR-TB epidemics or outbreaks. Better outcomes with reductions in mortality have been reported with concomitant treatment containing antiretroviral drugs for the HIV component and antitubercular drugs for the DR-TB component. Early and rapid diagnosis with genotypic tests, prompt treatment with appropriate regimens based on drugsusceptibility testing, preference for shorter regimens fortified with newer drugs, a patient-centric approach, and strong infection-control measures are all essential components in the management of M/XDR-TB in people living with HIV.

Disease associated with SARS-CoV-2 also termed as Coronavirus disease 2019 or COVID-19, has become a potential threat to public health by spreading across more than 200 countries worldwide within a short span of time. Tuberculosis (TB) is already existing as unprecedented pandemic worldwide over several years. Both diseases have many overlapping features but there are striking differences too. There is usually chronicity of symptoms in TB as compared to acute or rapid progression in COVID-19. Little evidence exists regarding TB and COVID-19 coinfection. It is anticipated that person with TB either in active, previously treated or latent forms are more at risk of poor outcomes with COVID-19. The relationship between the two diseases is still unclear at present, and more studies are needed to enable analyses of interactions and determinants of outcomes in patients affected by both the diseases. Most of the countries across the world imposed nationwide lockdown to promote social distancing, which is one important preventive measure to mitigate the spread of COVID-19 pandemic. However, it becomes quite challenging to ensure smooth functioning of programmatic services, leading to disruption of routine TB care, leading to transmission of infection. Health authorities should frame polices that can support TB patients by providing diagnostic, management and prevention services without any interruption during this era of ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Effort should be made to control both the diseases simultaneously and avoid unfavourable outcome in near future.