Tuberculosis

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a disease caused by a germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, the kidneys, or the spine.

Not everyone who breathes in the TB germs becomes sick. As a result, there are two forms of TB: latent TB and active TB

People with latent TB infection have TB germs in their body, but they are not sick because the germs are not active.  These people do not have symptoms of TB disease, and they cannot spread the germs to others. They may develop TB disease in the future. They are often prescribed medication that will help prevent them from developing active TB in the future.

People with active TB disease are sick from TB germs that are multiplying (active) in the body. Symptoms of TB disease in the lungs may include coughing, chest pain, fever, weight loss and night sweats. People with TB disease of the lungs or throat are capable of spreading their germs to others through coughing, sneezing, singing etc. People with active TB are prescribed with medication to treat the disease.

What are the symptoms of TB?

If the TB disease is in your lungs, you may:

• Cough a lot
• Cough up mucous
• Cough up blood
• Have chest pain when you cough
• Feel weak
• Lose your appetite
• Lose weight
• Have a fever
• Sweat a lot at night

If you have TB disease in another part of your body, the symptoms will be different and depend on the area affected.

How is TB spread?

TB is spread from person to person through the air. The TB germs are spread through the air when someone who is sick with active TB coughs, speaks, laughs, sings, or sneezes. Anyone near the sick person can breathe in the TB germs. This usually requires prolonged or repeated contact with the sick person.

How do I get tested for TB?

A TB skin test is a simple way to find out if you have latent TB. A small needle will be used to place a small amount of liquid, called tuberculin, just under the skin on your forearm.

You must return to your health care provider 2 days after the test was given to have your arm checked, even if your arm looks okay to you. If you have a reaction to the test, it will look like a raised bump. The nurse will measure the size of the reaction. If there is a bump, it will go away in a few weeks.

Learn more about TB skin testing

How is TB treated?

Latent TB:

Medication may be prescribed to prevent you from getting sick with active TB. Read frequently asked questions about about Latent TB treatment: