Tuberculosis (TB)
Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. There's a vaccine that helps protect some people who are at risk from TB.
Symptoms
Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) usually come on gradually. Common symptoms include: a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks – you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in itfeeling tired or exhausteda high temperature or night sweatsloss of appetiteweight lossfeeling generally unwell Children may also have difficulty gaining weight or growing. If TB has spread to another part of your body such as your glands (lymph nodes), bones or brain, you may also have other symptoms, including: swollen glandsbody aches and painsswollen joints or anklestummy or pelvic painconstipationdark or cloudy peea headachebeing sickfeeling confuseda stiff necka rash on the legs, face or other part of the body Sometimes you can have TB in your body but have no symptoms. This is called latent TB. If you have TB and you have symptoms, it's called active TB.
Causes
Tuberculosis (TB) is caused by bacteria. It can spread through close contact with people who have TB and have symptoms (active TB). When someone with active TB coughs, they release small droplets containing the bacteria. You can catch TB if you regularly breathe in these droplets over a long period of time. Some people have TB in their body but do not get ill or have any symptoms (latent TB). This type of TB cannot be spread to others, but it can turn into active TB in the future.
Treatment
The main treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is to take antibiotics for at least 6 months. If TB has spread to your brain, spinal cord or the area around your heart, you may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks. If you have TB but do not have symptoms (latent TB) you usually need to take antibiotics for 3 to 6 months. It's important to take your antibiotics correctly and until you've completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, TB could come back.
Prevention
BCG vaccine (at risk groups). Treat latent TB.
When to see a doctor
See GP if: cough >3 weeks; bloody cough; or unexplained weight loss.