Tuberculosis
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a severe illness caused by bacteria that primarily affects the lungs, but it can also infect other organs like the spine, brain, or kidneys. The disease spreads quickly in crowded conditions when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or sings, releasing tiny droplets containing the bacteria into the air. These droplets can then be inhaled by another person, leading to infection.
People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of contracting TB. However, not everyone who is infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. When someone is infected but shows no symptoms, they have latent tuberculosis infection (also called latent TB). In this state, the bacteria remain dormant (inactive) in the body.
If the infection progresses and symptoms develop, the person has active tuberculosis or TB disease, which is contagious and requires treatment. The progression of TB can be categorized into three stages:
1. Primary infection
2. Latent TB infection
3. Active TB disease
Early detection and proper treatment are crucial in managing both latent and active TB to prevent the spread of this infectious disease.
Causes of Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria known as Mycobacterium tuberculosis. These bacteria are primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings, releasing tiny droplets that contain the bacteria. When another person inhales these droplets, the bacteria can enter their lungs and potentially cause an infection. TB is more likely to spread in crowded environments and among individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, making them more susceptible to the disease. A latent TB infection cannot transmit the disease to others. Similarly, a person undergoing treatment for active TB disease typically becomes non-contagious after 2 to 3 weeks of medication.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
Latent TB has no symptoms, but a skin or blood test can determine if you have it.
Symptoms of active tuberculosis in the lungs include:
- A cough lasting more than three weeks
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Persistent fatigue
- Night sweats
- Chills
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
If TB affects areas outside the lungs, you may experience these symptoms along with pain near the infected area.
TB symptoms can vary in teens, children, and babies. Teens typically show symptoms similar to adults, while children aged 1-12 may experience weight loss and a persistent fever. Babies may show different signs, such as:
- Inactivity or slow movements
- A bulge in the soft spot on their head
- Excessive fussiness
- Vomiting or difficulty feeding
When to see a doctor
Tuberculosis symptoms can resemble those of various other illnesses. See your healthcare provider if your symptoms don't improve after a few days of rest.
Seek emergency care if you experience:
- Chest pain
- Sudden, severe headache
- Confusion
- Seizures
- Difficulty breathing
- Cough up blood
- Have blood in your urine or stool
Get immediate or urgent care if you:
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