Tuberculosis

Description

A serious illness caused by bacteria that mainly infect the lungs.

Overview

Bacteria that mainly infect the lungs cause tuberculosis, often called TB. The bacteria spread when a person with TB coughs, sneezes or talks. If the body manages the infection, the illness is called latent TB. If the body can't manage the infection, that stage is called active TB.

Symptoms

Latent TB may have no symptoms. Symptoms of active TB include cough with or without mucus or blood, chest pain, and pain with breathing. Symptoms also may include weight loss, tiredness and night sweats.

Treatments

One or more medicines that kill bacteria can be used to treat TB. TB may need treatment for four or more months.