Tuberculosis (TB): Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
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Learn everything about Tuberculosis (TB) — its causes, symptoms, transmission, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention. Understand how this infectious disease spreads and how to stay protected.
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Tuberculosis, TB symptoms, TB treatment, Mycobacterium tuberculosis, lung infection, infectious disease, TB prevention, BCG vaccine, drug-resistant TB, pulmonary tuberculosis
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. It primarily attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys, spine, brain, and liver. Without proper treatment, TB can be life-threatening, but it is curable and preventable.
How is TB Transmitted?
TB spreads through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or spits. People nearby may inhale the bacteria and become infected.
However, TB does not spread through:
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Handshakes
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Sharing food or drinks
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Kissing
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Using public toilets
Types of TB Infection
TB infection can exist in two forms:
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Latent TB Infection:
The bacteria remain inactive in the body without causing symptoms. The person is not contagious but can develop active TB later if the immune system weakens. -
Active TB Disease:
The bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. The patient can spread the disease to others through airborne droplets.
Symptoms of Active TB
Common symptoms include:
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Persistent cough lasting three weeks or longer
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Coughing up blood
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Chest pain during breathing or coughing
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Fever and night sweats
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Fatigue and weakness
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Loss of appetite and weight loss
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Blood in urine (if kidneys are infected)
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Back pain (if spine is affected)
Who is at Risk?
Certain groups are more vulnerable to TB infection, such as:
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People with HIV/AIDS
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Patients with diabetes or cancer
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Organ transplant recipients taking immunosuppressive drugs
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Individuals using medications for rheumatoid arthritis or psoriasis
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People living in or traveling to high-risk areas like South Africa, India, China, or parts of Southeast Asia
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Those in close daily contact with an active TB patient
Diagnosis of Tuberculosis
Diagnosis involves several tests:
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Skin Test (Mantoux Test):
A small amount of tuberculin is injected under the skin of the arm. The site is checked after 48–72 hours. A raised bump (≥10 mm) indicates infection. -
Blood Test (IGRAs):
This test measures the immune system’s response to Mycobacterium tuberculosis. A positive result requires further tests to confirm if TB is active.
Additional Diagnostic Tests
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Chest X-ray
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Sputum test (to detect TB bacteria)
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Physical examination and symptom review
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Family and travel history assessment
Treatment of TB
TB treatment requires a long-term course of antibiotics lasting 6–9 months. Common medications include:
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Isoniazid
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Rifampin
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Ethambutol
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Pyrazinamide
Patients usually start feeling better after a few weeks, but it is crucial to complete the full course to prevent relapse or drug resistance.
Drug-Resistant TB
Drug resistance occurs when TB bacteria adapt and no longer respond to standard medications. This usually results from irregular medication use or stopping treatment early. Drug-resistant TB is more difficult and costly to treat.
Prevention of TB
To stop TB from spreading:
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Stay at home during the contagious phase
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Keep rooms well-ventilated
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Cover mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing
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Wear a mask around others
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Take all prescribed medications completely
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Vaccinate children with the BCG vaccine at birth
Complications
If left untreated, TB can spread beyond the lungs and affect the bones, kidneys, liver, brain, or heart, leading to serious health complications or death.
Conclusion
Tuberculosis remains a global health concern, but early diagnosis, proper medication, and preventive measures can control and cure it. Public awareness, vaccination, and adherence to treatment are key to eradicating TB worldwide.
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