What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis, often called TB, is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. In some cases, it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the spine, kidneys, or brain.
TB is caused by bacteria spread through the air when a person with active infection coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Not everyone exposed to TB becomes sick, but some people are more likely to develop active disease.
Risk factors include:
- Close contact with someone who has TB
- A weakened immune system, including HIV or cancer treatment
- Living or working in crowded environments
- Travel to areas where TB is more common
- Substance misuse, including heavy alcohol or injection drug use
- Older age or very young age
- Working in healthcare or shelter settings
Symptoms
TB symptoms may develop slowly over time and can look similar to other lung illnesses. Common signs of active TB include:
- A cough lasting longer than three weeks
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Fever or chills
- Night sweats
- Feeling tired or weak
- Loss of appetite
- Unexplained weight loss
- Shortness of breath
How is it diagnosed?
Healthcare providers use several tests to diagnose TB and determine whether the infection is latent or active.
Testing may include a skin test or blood test to check for TB exposure. Chest imaging, such as an X-ray or CT scan, can help look for signs of infection in the lungs. Providers may also test mucus from the lungs, called sputum, to identify TB bacteria.
If TB is suspected in another part of the body, additional imaging or laboratory testing may be needed.
How is it treated?
Treatment for TB depends on whether the infection is latent or active.
Latent TB is usually treated with antibiotics to help prevent active disease from developing later. Active TB requires several antibiotics taken together for at least six months. Taking medications exactly as prescribed is important to fully clear the infection and reduce the risk of drug-resistant TB.
Many people begin feeling better within a few weeks of starting treatment. People with active TB may also become less contagious after several weeks of proper therapy. Follow-up visits and testing help providers monitor recovery and response to medication.
