Tuberculosis Overview: Symptoms, Treatment and Causes
Know about tuberculosis, symptoms, causes, treatment and management. Learn how to prevent and know more about it to manage the condition.
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Last updated on 28th Aug, 2025
Introduction
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious but treatable bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. While it can be life-threatening if left untreated, early diagnosis and proper medical care can help patients recover fully. If you or someone you know is experiencing symptoms of TB, understanding the condition can help in seeking timely treatment.
What Is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. While TB mainly affects the lungs (pulmonary TB), it can also infect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain (extrapulmonary TB).
There are two types of TB:
1. Latent TB Infection (LTBI) – The bacteria remain inactive in the body, causing no symptoms. People with latent TB are not contagious but may develop active TB if their immune system weakens.
2. Active TB Disease – The bacteria multiply and cause symptoms. This form is contagious and requires immediate treatment.
Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis
The symptoms of active TB depend on which part of the body is affected. Common signs of pulmonary TB (lung TB) include:
- A persistent cough lasting three weeks or more
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain, especially while breathing or coughing
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Fatigue and weakness
- Loss of appetite
If TB affects other organs (extrapulmonary TB), symptoms may include:
- Swollen lymph nodes (if TB affects lymph nodes)
- Back pain (spinal TB)
- Blood in urine (kidney TB)
- Headaches and confusion (TB meningitis)
If you experience any of these symptoms, consult a doctor immediately. Early diagnosis can prevent complications and stop the spread of infection.
What Causes Tuberculosis?
TB spreads through tiny droplets released into the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. However, not everyone exposed to TB bacteria gets sick.
Factors that increase the risk of developing active TB include:
- Weakened immune system (due to HIV/AIDS, diabetes, or cancer treatments)
- Malnutrition
- Smoking or excessive alcohol use
- Living in crowded or poorly ventilated conditions
- Close contact with someone who has active TB
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
How Is TB Diagnosed?
If TB is suspected, doctors may recommend:
1. Tuberculin Skin Test (TST or Mantoux Test) – A small injection under the skin checks for TB exposure.
2. Blood Tests (IGRA) – Detects TB infection more accurately than the skin test.
3. Chest X-ray – Helps identify lung abnormalities caused by TB.
4. Sputum Test – Examines mucus from the lungs for TB bacteria.
If diagnosed with latent TB, preventive treatment may be given to stop it from becoming active. Active TB requires a full course of antibiotics.
TB Treatment: What to Expect?
TB is curable with the right medications. Treatment usually involves:
- A combination of antibiotics (taken for 6–9 months)
- Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) – A healthcare worker ensures patients take their medicines correctly
- Regular follow-ups to monitor progress
- Important: Never skip doses or stop treatment early, as this can lead to drug-resistant TB, which is harder to treat.
How to Prevent TB?
To reduce the risk of TB infection:
- Get vaccinated (BCG vaccine is given to children in high-risk areas)
- Maintain good hygiene (cover mouth while coughing, wash hands frequently)
- Improve ventilation in living spaces
- Eat a balanced diet to strengthen immunity
- Avoid close contact with active TB patients unless necessary
When to See a Doctor?
If you have:
- A persistent cough for more than 3 weeks
- Unexplained weight loss and fever
- Been in close contact with a TB patient
- Consult a doctor immediately. Early treatment can save lives and prevent the spread of TB.
Final Thoughts
Tuberculosis mainly affects the lungs and sometimes other organs of the body. It is caused due to a bacterial infection. It is caused mainly due to a weak immune system, malnutrition. The symptoms include cough with mucus or blood, chest pain, etc. The treatment for TB includes antibiotics apart from regular follow-ups, as it's a treatable disease. Follow up with the doctor to ensure healthy results, and take their advice for complete recovery.
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Hyder
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (PULMONOLOGY)
Guntur
Kalam chest and multi-speciality clinic, Guntur
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. R. Nithiyanandan
Pulmonology/critical Care Specialist
6 Years • MBBS, MD Internal Medicine , DM Pulmonary and critical care medicine
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(25+ Patients)
Consult a Pulmonologist for Personalised Advice
Dr. P Sravani
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
3 Years • MBBS, MD
Visakhapatnam
Apollo Clinic Vizag, Visakhapatnam
Dr. Hyder
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
5 Years • MBBS, MD (PULMONOLOGY)
Guntur
Kalam chest and multi-speciality clinic, Guntur
Dr. E Prabhakar Sastry
General Physician/ Internal Medicine Specialist
40 Years • MD(Internal Medicine)
Manikonda Jagir
Apollo Clinic, Manikonda, Manikonda Jagir
(125+ Patients)
Dr. K Prasanna Kumar Reddy
Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist
16 Years • MBBS, DTCD (TB&CHEST), DNB (PULM MED), FCCP
Hyderabad
Apollo Medical Centre Kondapur, Hyderabad
Dr. R. Nithiyanandan
Pulmonology/critical Care Specialist
6 Years • MBBS, MD Internal Medicine , DM Pulmonary and critical care medicine
Chennai
Apollo Hospitals Greams Road, Chennai
(25+ Patients)
