Tuberculosis (TB)
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a bacterial infection. It typically affects the lungs, but can also spread to other parts of the body including the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is spread through the air by an infected person when they cough, sneeze, or speak.
If left untreated, TB can be fatal. That’s why early detection is so important. Those with TB should be treated with a combination of drugs over the course of six to nine months to help avoid a relapse.
Who is at Risk for TB?
Anyone can get TB, but some populations are more at risk than others. These include:
- People with HIV
- People living in close quarters (e.g., dormitories, prisons, or homeless shelters)
- People living in developing countries
- Healthcare workers
- Substance abusers
Symptoms of TB
The symptoms of TB may vary depending on the part of the body affected. Common symptoms of pulmonary TB include:
- Coughing that lasts three weeks or longer
- Pain in the chest
- Coughing up blood or sputum
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Sweating at night
- Lack of appetite
Diagnosis and Treatment
If your doctor suspects you may have TB, they will likely do a physical examination, and order a chest X-ray and blood tests. These tests can diagnose TB and help to rule out other illnesses. Your doctor may also recommend a TB skin test. This involves pricking your skin and introducing a small amount of TB bacteria into it. If the area swells, it may indicate that you have been exposed to the bacteria.
If you are diagnosed with TB, your doctor will likely prescribe several medications. Depending on what type of TB you have, these medications may need to be taken for several weeks or months. It is important to take all of the prescribed medication, as doing so can help prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the drug. In some cases, surgery may be necessary to remove lesions, or damaged tissue, caused by the TB.