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Tuberculosis
Urgent
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most often affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB can occur as a latent infection, in which the bacteria remain in the body without causing illness, or as active tuberculosis, which causes symptoms and can spread to others. Active lung TB commonly causes a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Body System
Respiratory System
When to Seek Medical Attention
Tuberculosis requires medical evaluation and appropriate treatment. Seek urgent care for severe difficulty breathing, coughing up significant amounts of blood, chest pain, confusion, severe weakness, or rapidly worsening illness. People with suspected infectious tuberculosis should follow medical advice about reducing transmission to others.
Symptoms
4
Causes
5
Treatments
5
Diet
3
Overview
Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most often affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. TB can occur as a latent infection, in which the bacteria remain in the body without causing illness, or as active tuberculosis, which causes symptoms and can spread to others. Active lung TB commonly causes a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
Symptoms 4
Fever
Night Sweats
Palpitations
Weight Loss
Causes 5
Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. The bacteria spread through the air when a person with active TB of the lungs or throat coughs, speaks, or sings. People nearby may breathe in the bacteria and become infected. Infection does not always lead to active disease because the immune system may keep the bacteria under control.
Autoimmune Disorder
Genetics
Infection
Smoking
Stress
Risk Factors
Risk of tuberculosis is higher after close or prolonged contact with someone who has active TB. People with weakened immune systems, including those with HIV infection, are at increased risk of developing active disease. Other factors include certain medical conditions, some medicines that suppress immunity, living or working in crowded settings, and residence or travel in areas where TB is common.
Diagnosis
Diagnosis is based on a patient's medical history,
symptoms, physical examination and, when necessary,
laboratory or imaging investigations.
Tuberculosis is diagnosed using a medical history, physical examination, and tests for TB infection or disease. Skin tests and blood tests can identify immune responses to tuberculosis bacteria. If active TB is suspected, chest imaging and laboratory testing of respiratory samples may be used to detect the bacteria. Additional tests may be needed when TB affects organs outside the lungs.
Prevention
Key Prevention Tips
Tuberculosis can be prevented by identifying and treating TB infection before it progresses to active disease
People with active TB should follow treatment and infection-control advice to reduce transmission
Good ventilation and avoiding prolonged close exposure to infectious people can reduce airborne spread
In some countries, the BCG vaccine is used to help protect against severe forms of TB in children
Prevention Guidance
Tuberculosis can be prevented by identifying and treating TB infection before it progresses to active disease. People with active TB should follow treatment and infection-control advice to reduce transmission. Good ventilation and avoiding prolonged close exposure to infectious people can reduce airborne spread. In some countries, the BCG vaccine is used to help protect against severe forms of TB in children.
Reminder: Prevention recommendations should be tailored to your personal health status and risk factors.
Treatment & Management 5
Topical and systemic therapies.
Skin wellness support.
Individualized skin care.
Supportive relaxation therapy.
Stress reduction and wellness.
Medical Note: The treatment information provided is intended for educational purposes only.
Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting,
stopping, or changing any treatment.
Diet & Nutrition 3
Recommended Foods
Vegetables
Fruits
Omega-3 Foods
Foods to Avoid
Alcohol
Smoking
Medical Nutrition Note: Diet recommendations are intended for general educational purposes and should be tailored to individual health needs by a qualified healthcare professional.
Frequently Asked Questions 5
A chronic autoimmune skin disease.
No. Psoriasis cannot spread between people.
Yes. Stress commonly triggers flare-ups.
Yes. Some patients develop psoriatic arthritis.
Many patients experience long-term disease with flare-ups.
Helpful Tip: These answers provide general medical information.
Consult your healthcare provider for advice tailored to your condition.