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Tuberculosis


The Basics


Written by the doctors and editors at UpToDate � �
What is tuberculosis? " � Tuberculosis is an infection that usually affects the lungs. It is not very common in the United States. But in other parts of the world, tuberculosis is still a serious problem. Tuberculosis is sometimes called "TB. " � � �
How does TB spread? " � You can catch tuberculosis from anyone who is sick with TB. The germ that causes TB can travel in the tiny drops of fluid that spray when a person coughs or sneezes. If you inhale those drops, you can get infected. � �
What happens if I get infected with TB? " � If you get infected with TB, you probably will not get sick right away. Instead 1 of 2 things might happen: � �
  • Your bodys infection fighting system, called the immune system, might kill off the germs that cause TB. If that happens, you will not get sick with TB.
  • Your body's immune system might be able to control the germs but not completely kill them off. This is called "latent TB. " � People with latent TB do not get sick right away, but they can get sick later on. People who are sick with TB have what doctors call "active TB. " �

What are the symptoms of active TB? " � The symptoms of active TB can include: � �
  • A cough that lasts a long time
  • Fever
  • Sweating at night
  • Losing weight without trying to

Should I see a doctor or nurse? " � See your doctor or nurse if: � �
  • You have been near someone who was sick with TB
  • You have a cough that has lasted longer than 3 or 4 weeks and does not seem to be getting better
  • You have other symptoms of TB, such as fever, sweating at night, and unexpected weight loss

Is there a test for TB? " � Yes. Your doctor or nurse can test you for TB by giving you a shot that contains tiny pieces of the dead TB germ. You will get the shot in the arm. Then, 2 or 3 days later, your doctor or nurse will need to look at the spot where you got the shot to see if you form a bump, and to see how big the bump is. Only a doctor or nurse can tell whether the bump from a TB test is positive or negative. � �
There is also a blood test for TB. But that test is not available everywhere. � �
What if my TB test is positive? " � If your TB test is positive, you will probably need treatment. But the treatment will differ depending on whether you are sick. � �
People who are not sick and have latent TB must take medicine every day for 3 to 9 months. People who are sick with active TB must take 4 different medicines every day for at least 2 months. After that, some people can go down to 2 medicines, but all people must keep taking some medicines for another 4 months. That means that treatment for active TB lasts at least 6 months total. � �
If your doctor or nurse gives you medicine to treat TB, it is very important that you take it all. It's hard to take medicine day after day for months. But if you do not take all your medicine, you could get sick with TB, or the medicine could lose its effect. If the medicine loses its effect, the infection can become even harder to treat. � �
TB is a serious disease. It can lead to death. That's why it's so important that you take treatment very seriously. � �
All topics are updated as new evidence becomes available and our peer review process is complete. � �
This topic retrieved from UpToDate on: Nov 04, 2014. � �
Topic 15485 Version 4.0 � �
Release: 22.8 - C22.208 � �
� � 2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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This information is not specific medical advice and does not replace information you receive from your health care provider. This is only a brief summary of general information. It does NOT include all information about conditions, illnesses, injuries, tests, procedures, treatments, therapies, discharge instructions or life-style choices that may apply to you. You must talk with your health care provider for complete information about your health and treatment options. This information should not be used to decide whether or not to accept your health care providers advice, instructions or recommendations. Only your health care provider has the knowledge and training to provide advice that is right for you.The use of UpToDate content is governed by the UpToDate Terms of Use. � �2014 UpToDate, Inc. All rights reserved. � �

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