Tuberculosis (TB)

About Tuberculosis (TB)

A chronic bacterial infection caused by the bacteria, Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Most people do not have any symptoms when first infected. Tuberculosis is spread through the air from person to person and the bacteria are released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Some people suffer from infection of the lung, and the majority of these infections do not spread further. The bacteria lay dormant in the body and can become reactivated many years later. This reactivation usually occurs when the immune system becomes depressed. Chronic illness, malnutrition, alcoholism, the use of immunosuppressive drugs, AIDS and cancer can all suppress the immune system leading to the spread of the disease. The initial lung infection can spread to all parts of the body.

Symptoms

Depends on the organ system involved. Pulmonary (lung) tuberculosis (TB): fever, cough, night sweats, weight loss, cough with bloody sputum, chest pain; tuberculosis (TB) meningitis: headache, vomiting, stiff neck; Disseminated tuberculosis (TB): multiple symptoms including abdominal pain, vomiting, painful urination, bone pain.

Tests & Diagnostics

A history and physical exam will be performed. A Mantoux skin test (PPD) will identify previous exposure to tuberculosis (TB). A positive PPD does not necessarily mean one has tuberculosis (TB). Other tests need to be done to confirm an active TB infection. Sputum culture and culture of other fluids are done as deemed appropriate for the clinical presentation. Imaging studies are performed to define the extent of disease.

Common tests: Complete blood count (CBC), Comprehensive metabolic panel (CMP), CT Scan, MRI, Urinalysis (UA), X-ray.

Path 3 — Prescription Options

Prescription medications

Conventional treatment summary

Treatment of active TB requires many months of therapy. TB has become resistant to many antibiotics. Therapy often begins with a 4 drug combination. Once the sensitivities of the strain are identified, the final drug combination is prescribed. Patients must not miss any medication doses and must finish the entire course of treatment. For more information contact: American Lung Association: (800)586-4872 National Jewish Medical and Research Center: (800)222-5864

Medical specialties

Internal Medicine · Pediatrics · Pulmonology · Family Practice · Infectious Disease Medicine · Pediatric Pulmonology · Pediatric Infectious Disease Medicine · HIV and AIDS Specialist

This page is educational content, not medical advice. Always consult a qualified clinician for diagnosis and treatment of Tuberculosis (TB).