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Tuberculosis
A bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about your specific condition and treatment.
When to seek help
Seek care for a cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, or fever with night sweats.
If you are experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local emergency services immediately.
Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It is curable, but it can be serious or fatal if not treated.
Symptoms
- A cough lasting three weeks or more
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain
- Fever, night sweats, and chills
- Unintentional weight loss and fatigue
Causes
Caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis) that spread through the air when someone with active TB coughs or sneezes.
Types
- Latent TB infection (germs present but inactive - not contagious)
- Active TB disease (sick and can spread it)
Diagnosis
Diagnosed with a skin or blood test, followed by a chest X-ray and sputum test if active disease is suspected.
Treatment
Treated with a course of several antibiotics taken together for months. Latent (inactive) TB is treated with fewer medicines to prevent active disease.
Living with it
- Take every dose of TB medicine exactly as prescribed and finish the full course
- Cover your mouth when coughing
- Stay in well-ventilated spaces if you have active TB
- Tell close contacts so they can be tested
- Avoid alcohol during treatment
Complications
- Lung damage
- Spread to other organs (meninges, kidneys, spine)
- Drug-resistant TB (if treatment is incomplete)
Frequently asked questions
Is latent TB contagious?
No. People with latent TB are not sick and cannot spread it, but they should be treated to prevent it from becoming active TB.
Join the Tuberculosis community
Talk with people who understand, share what helps, and find support from others living with tuberculosis. Private, moderated, and free.
Posts in this community reflect personal experiences, not medical advice. Always talk to your doctor before changing your treatment.