Tuberculosis - Symptoms, Causes & Treatment
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that mainly affects the lungs but can affect other parts of the body.
Overview
India accounts for about 27% of the global TB burden, making it the country most affected by TB worldwide. An estimated 2.8 million new cases occur annually in India.
TB is curable and preventable. The standard treatment involves a 6-month course of antibiotics. Completing the full course is critical to prevent drug-resistant TB.
Symptoms of Tuberculosis
- CoughPrimary
A cough is a reflex action to clear the airways of mucus, irritants, and foreign particles. It can be acute (lasting less than 3 weeks) or chronic (lasting more than 8 weeks).
- FeverPrimary
Fever is a temporary increase in body temperature, usually above 100.4°F (38°C). It is a sign that the body is fighting an infection or illness.
- Night SweatsPrimary
Night sweats are repeated episodes of excessive sweating during sleep, severe enough to soak nightclothes and bedding, not related to an overheated sleeping environment.
- Weight LossPrimary
Unexplained weight loss is a decrease in body weight that occurs unintentionally and without a clear reason. It can be a sign of an underlying medical condition.
- Fatigue
Fatigue is a feeling of persistent tiredness or exhaustion that does not improve with rest. It can be physical, mental, or both, and may indicate an underlying health condition.
- Chest Pain
Chest pain is any discomfort or pain felt in the area between the neck and upper abdomen. It can have many causes, ranging from minor issues to serious, life-threatening conditions.
- Loss of Appetite
Loss of appetite (anorexia) is a decreased desire to eat. It can be caused by physical illness, medications, emotional states, or psychological conditions.
Causes of Tuberculosis
Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria
Spread through airborne droplets (coughing, sneezing, speaking)
Close, prolonged contact with an infected person
Reactivation of latent TB infection
Weakened immune system allowing progression from latent to active TB
Treatment for Tuberculosis
Standard 6-month antibiotic regimen (DOTS: isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol)
Directly Observed Therapy (DOT)
Extended treatment for drug-resistant TB (MDR-TB, XDR-TB)
Nutritional support
Treatment of latent TB to prevent active disease
Surgery for complicated cases
Prevention
BCG vaccination (given at birth in India)
Identifying and treating latent TB
Good ventilation in living spaces
Covering mouth when coughing or sneezing
Screening contacts of TB patients
Infection control in healthcare settings
Addressing risk factors (HIV, malnutrition)
Risk Factors
HIV infection (strongest risk factor)
Close contact with TB patients
Living in crowded conditions
Malnutrition
Diabetes
Smoking
Alcohol abuse
Immunosuppressive therapy
Healthcare workers
Silicosis
When to See a Doctor
See a doctor if you have a persistent cough lasting more than 2-3 weeks, coughing up blood, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever, fatigue, or loss of appetite. Get tested if you have been in close contact with a TB patient.
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Which Doctor to Consult for Tuberculosis
If you are experiencing symptoms of tuberculosis, you may want to consult a specialist in one of these areas:
Related Conditions
These conditions share similar symptoms with tuberculosis and may be relevant:
Pneumonia
Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs, which may fill with fluid or pus, causing cough with phlegm, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.
Typhoid
Typhoid fever is a bacterial infection caused by Salmonella typhi, spread through contaminated food and water, causing prolonged fever, weakness, and digestive problems.
Diabetes
Diabetes is a chronic metabolic disease characterized by elevated blood sugar levels, which over time can lead to serious damage to the heart, blood vessels, eyes, kidneys, and nerves.
Depression
Depression (major depressive disorder) is a common and serious mood disorder that causes persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest in activities, affecting how you feel, think, and handle daily activities.
Hypothyroidism
Hypothyroidism is a condition where the thyroid gland does not produce enough thyroid hormones, leading to a slowdown of the body's metabolic processes.
GERD
Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease (GERD) is a chronic digestive condition where stomach acid frequently flows back into the esophagus, causing heartburn and irritation.
FAQS
Tuberculosis FAQs
Common questions about tuberculosis.
In latent TB, you carry the bacteria but have no symptoms and cannot spread it to others. In active TB, the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms (cough, fever, weight loss) and you can spread it to others. About 5-10% of people with latent TB develop active TB.
Medical Disclaimer
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