Tuberculosis (TB)

Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment

 

 

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs, but it can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, TB remains a major public health concern worldwide. Many people unknowingly carry latent TB infection, which can become active tuberculosis when the immune system weakens.

With the rise in respiratory diseases, understanding TB symptoms, causes, prevention, and treatment is crucial. In this blog, we will discuss everything you need to know about tuberculosis, including its types, risk factors, diagnostic tests, and effective treatments.

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis is an airborne bacterial infection that spreads when an infected person coughs, sneezes, talks, or spits, releasing TB bacteria into the air. If someone inhales these bacteria, they can develop either latent TB infection (LTBI) or active TB disease.

Types of Tuberculosis

1.    Latent Tuberculosis Infection (LTBI)

o   The TB bacteria remain inactive in the body without causing symptoms.

o   It is not contagious, but it can turn into active TB disease if untreated.

2.    Active Tuberculosis Disease

o   The TB bacteria multiply and spread, causing severe lung infection and other complications.

o   It is highly contagious and requires immediate medical treatment.

Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Early detection of TB symptoms is essential for preventing complications and reducing TB transmission. Symptoms vary depending on the affected organs but commonly include:

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB affecting the lungs):

✅ Chronic cough lasting more than three weeks
✅ Coughing up blood (hemoptysis)
✅ Chest pain while breathing or coughing
✅ Shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing
✅ Unexplained weight loss
✅ Severe night sweats
✅ Fever and chills
✅ Extreme fatigue and weakness

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (TB outside the lungs):

🔹 Spinal TB – Back pain and spinal deformities
🔹 TB meningitis – Severe headaches, confusion, and neck stiffness
🔹 TB in kidneys – Blood in urine and kidney dysfunction
🔹 TB in lymph nodes – Swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
🔹 TB in the bones and joints – Joint pain, swelling, and difficulty moving

If you experience any of these tuberculosis symptoms, it is essential to seek immediate medical attention.

How is Tuberculosis Diagnosed?

Early diagnosis is key to preventing the spread of TB. Healthcare professionals use several tests to detect TB bacteria in the body:

Diagnostic Tests for Tuberculosis

🩺 Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) / Mantoux Test – A small injection under the skin checks for TB exposure.

🩸 Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) / TB Blood Test – Measures the immune response to TB bacteria.

📸 Chest X-ray – Detects lung infections and TB lesions.

🔬 Sputum Test / Acid-Fast Bacillus (AFB) Test – Identifies TB bacteria in mucus samples.

🔎 CT Scan or MRI – Used in extrapulmonary TB cases for detailed imaging.

What Causes Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium, which spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person:

  • Coughs or sneezes without covering their mouth
  • Talks, laughs, or sings close to others
  • Spits in public places, releasing TB bacteria into the air

People with weak immune systems are at higher risk of developing active TB disease.

Who is at Risk of Developing Tuberculosis?

Certain factors increase the risk of TB infection and active TB disease:

✅ People with weakened immunity – HIV/AIDS patients, organ transplant recipients, and cancer patients
✅ Individuals with chronic diseases – Diabetes, kidney disease, malnutrition
✅ People living in crowded or poorly ventilated places – Prisons, refugee camps, and homeless shelters
✅ Healthcare workers and caregivers – Higher exposure to TB patients
✅ Tobacco smokers and alcoholics – Weakened lung health increases TB risk
✅ People with a history of untreated TB infection – Higher risk of TB reactivation

How to Prevent Tuberculosis?

Since tuberculosis is contagious, TB prevention measures help reduce its spread:

🦠 BCG Vaccine (Bacillus Calmette-Guérin) – Protects against severe forms of TB in children.

😷 Wear a mask – TB patients should cover their mouth while coughing or sneezing.

🏡 Improve ventilation – Open windows and ensure proper airflow in indoor spaces.

🛑 Avoid close contact – Stay away from TB-infected individuals until they complete treatment.

🍎 Boost your immunity – Eat a nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals.

🚭 Quit smoking and limit alcohol – Both weaken the lungs and increase TB risk.

Treatment Options for Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is curable with proper medication and adherence to treatment guidelines. TB treatment typically lasts 6–9 months and includes:

💊 First-Line TB Drugs (Standard Treatment)

  • Isoniazid (INH)
  • Rifampicin (RIF)
  • Pyrazinamide (PZA)
  • Ethambutol (EMB)

💊 Multidrug-Resistant Tuberculosis (MDR-TB) Treatment

  • Requires stronger antibiotics like Bedaquiline, Linezolid, and Delamanid
  • Treatment duration is longer (12–24 months)

🚨 Never stop TB medication early! Stopping treatment prematurely can lead to drug-resistant TB, making it harder to cure.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis is a serious respiratory disease that continues to affect millions worldwide. By recognizing early TB symptoms, undergoing regular testing, and following preventive measures, we can reduce TB transmission and save lives.

If you experience persistent cough, weight loss, or night sweats, consult a pulmonary specialist immediately. Early diagnosis and proper TB treatment are key to a TB-free future.

💬 Have questions about tuberculosis? Contact our TB specialists at Breathe Clinic Guwahati for expert guidance on TB diagnosis, treatment, and prevention.