In the past, TB was called ‘’consumption”, because of the way it literally consumed infected people from the inside. Luckily for us, today TB is treatable. Here’s what you need to know about it.
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by bacteria. While it mostly affects the lungs, it can also affect organs in the central nervous system, lymphatic system, gastro-intestinal system and circulatory system.
TB is classified as being either latent or active. Latent TB occurs when the bacteria are present in the body, but this state is inactive and presents no symptoms. Latent TB is also not contagious. Active TB is contagious, and it’s this type of TB that makes you sick with symptoms.
What Causes TB?
TB is caused by bacteria that are spread from person to person through airborne particles.
While some people have immune systems strong enough to quickly destroy TB bacteria when they enter the body, others will develop latent TB, and a fair number of people will become immediately ill and contagious with active TB. Anyone with a weakened immune system, including people with HIV, are more prone to developing active TB.
Signs and Symptoms to Watch Out for
A lot of people who become infected with the TB bacteria don’t actually show symptoms, but when symptoms are present, they include:
- Sudden weight loss and loss of appetite
- Tiredness or fatigue
- Shortness of breath
- A cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks
- Coughing up blood
- Chest pain
- Pain when breathing or coughing
Can TB Be Treated?
If you’re at high risk for TB, there are anti-TB drugs that stop it from progressing to active TB.
People with active TB are usually treated with several anti-TB drugs to kill all the bacteria and stop them from becoming drug resistant. This usually means daily oral doses of medication for six months.