Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs, but it can also spread to the brain, kidneys, spine, and other organs. TB spreads through airborne droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes. While TB is preventable and curable, it can become life-threatening if left untreated, especially in people with weak immune systems.
Who Needs Treatment?
Patients who experience:
- Persistent cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain while breathing or coughing
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue
- Night sweats, chills, and fever
Types of Tuberculosis Treated
- Pulmonary TB: The most common form, affecting the lungs and causing coughing and chest-related symptoms
- Extrapulmonary TB: TB that affects organs other than the lungs, such as lymph nodes, bones, brain (TB meningitis), kidneys, or spine
- Latent TB Infection (LTBI): The bacteria are present in the body but inactive; no symptoms, but can become active later
- Active TB Disease: The bacteria are multiplying and causing symptoms — contagious and requires immediate treatment
- Drug-Resistant TB: TB that does not respond to standard first-line drugs (e.g., MDR-TB, XDR-TB), requiring specialized therapy
