Tuberculosis

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria usually attack the lungs, but can also damage other parts of the body. TB is one of the world’s deadliest diseases, killing more than 1.5 million people each year.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

The symptoms of TB vary depending on which parts of the body are affected. Common symptoms include:

• Fever
• Chills
• Cough
• Weight loss
• Night sweats
• Lack of appetite
• Fatigue
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood

Treating Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is treated with a combination of drugs that can take several months to complete. Treatment usually includes a combination of at least three different types of antibiotics. It’s important to take all of the medications prescribed and to complete the entire course of treatment, even if you start to feel better. Failure to do so can lead to drug resistance, which can make the disease harder to treat.

Preventing Tuberculosis

TB can be prevented by avoiding contact with an infected person. Vaccines can also help prevent TB, although the most commonly used vaccine is not very effective in adults. Other measures, such as early diagnosis and treatment, can also help reduce the spread of the disease.