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Tuberculosis

Symptoms, Causes, Treatments, Questions & Related Topics

Key Points

  • Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs and can be spread through talking, sneezing, coughing, or spitting.
  • Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes, kidney disease, certain cancers, or HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of contracting TB.
  • TB can exist in an inactive state where the bacteria are present but do not cause symptoms, making early detection and treatment crucial.
  • Symptoms of TB include chest pain, persistent cough, coughing up blood, fever, fatigue, chills, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss.
  • Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and a TB test, and if confirmed, treatment typically consists of several months of antibiotics.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (sometimes just called TB) is an infectious disease that affects the lungs. TB is contagious and can be spread when someone who has an active form of the disease talks, sneezes, coughs, or spits. Anyone can get TB, but the people most at risk are the ones with compromised immune systems – like people with diabetes, kidney disease, certain cancers, or HIV/AIDS. A person can also have inactive TB, which is when the bacteria that causes this disease is present in the body but does not cause any symptoms.

There are a number of potentially life-threatening complications that can accompany TB, but in most cases, seeking treatment when symptoms first appear can keep it from progressing to that point.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

When you first see a doctor for potential TB, you will likely have a physical exam and some sort of medical TB testing to confirm your diagnosis – usually a blood test or skin test. In the event that tuberculosis is found, several months of antibiotics will likely be prescribed.

Tuberculosis May Also be Know as

  • TB
  • Phthisis
  • Consumption
  • Pulmonary tuberculosis

Frequently asked questions

  • What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

    TB is a highly contagious disease that primarily affects the lungs and can be spread through talking, sneezing, coughing, or spitting.
  • Who is most at risk for contracting TB?

    Individuals with compromised immune systems, such as those with diabetes, kidney disease, certain cancers, or HIV/AIDS, are at a higher risk of contracting TB.
  • Can TB exist without showing symptoms?

    Yes, TB can exist in an inactive state where the bacteria are present but do not cause symptoms.
  • What are the symptoms of TB?

    Symptoms of TB include chest pain, persistent cough, coughing up blood, fever, fatigue, chills, night sweats, and unintentional weight loss.
  • How is TB diagnosed?

    Diagnosis usually involves a physical exam and a TB test, such as a blood or skin test.
  • What is the typical treatment for TB?

    If TB is confirmed, treatment typically consists of several months of antibiotics.
  • Can TB be life-threatening?

    Yes, if not treated early, TB can lead to life-threatening complications.
  • Are there other names for TB?

    Yes, TB is also known as phthisis, consumption, or pulmonary tuberculosis.

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