What is Tuberculosis Disease?

Understanding Tuberculosis: From Latent to Active TB

Tuberculosis (TB) disease is an infection caused by bacteria that mostly attacks the lungs but can also spread to areas like the brain, spine, or kidneys. Not everyone infected with TB gets sick. When the bacteria are in your body but not causing symptoms, it's called latent or inactive TB. This means the TB is "sleeping" inside you.

Around 13 million people in the U.S. have latent TB, which means the bacteria are in their bodies, but they don't feel sick. Most people with latent TB never get sick or show any signs of the disease. However, if your immune system gets weak, the bacteria can start growing again and cause active TB, which is when the illness appears and generally requires treatment.

Keep reading to learn about its causes, symptoms, and effective treatment!

What Are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis Disease?

If your TB is active, you may notice certain symptoms. These warning signs mean it's important to see a doctor:

• A bad cough that lasts more than two weeks
• Chest pain
• Coughing up blood or mucus
• Feeling very tired or weak
• Loss of appetite
• Losing weight without trying
• Chills
• Fever
• Sweating at night

If you have inactive (latent) TB, you won't have any symptoms, but a TB test might still come back positive.

What Causes Tuberculosis Disease?

Tuberculosis (TB) generally occurs when a germ named Mycobacterium tuberculosis enters your body. When you breathe in these germs, they can take hold of your lungs and begin to multiply. Over time, it may travel through your blood to places like your spine, brain, or kidneys.

Sometimes, TB germs live in your body without making you sick—this is called inactive or latent TB. People with latent TB don't feel sick, have no symptoms, and can't spread TB to others.

If your immune system can't keep the TB germs under control, they become active. This can make you feel sick and also spread the infection to people around you. Without treatment, active TB can be very dangerous.

What Are the Different Types of Tuberculosis Disease?

The most common form of TB is called pulmonary TB, and it mainly affects the lungs. However, TB bacteria can sometimes spread to the lungs and affect other areas, such as the brain or spine. This type is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

There is also a form called miliary tuberculosis, which can easily spread throughout the body and may even cause serious problems like

1. Meningitis (swelling of the brain's lining)
2. Pott's disease (TB infection in the spine)
3. Addison's disease (problems with the adrenal glands)
4. Hepatitis (inflammation of the liver)
5. Scrofula (swollen lymph nodes in the neck)

How Does Tuberculosis Disease Spread?

TB mostly spreads through the air when a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, talks, laughs, or sings. Only those who have active TB in their lungs can pass it on to others.

However, you usually need to spend a lot of time close to them to catch the infection. Most people who breathe in TB germs can fight them off, which leads to inactive or latent TB.

How Do Doctors Diagnose Tuberculosis?

Doctors generally use several scans and tests to find out if someone has tuberculosis, including:

• Doctors check for TB by using either a blood test or a skin test.
• Lab tests may be done on sputum (mucus) and lung fluid.
• Chest X-rays help doctors see if there is any lung damage.
• CT scans provide a clearer and more detailed picture of the lungs.

How is Tuberculosis Treated?

Doctors use specific antibiotics to treat both active and dormant TB infections. You will probably be required to take several medicines together to fight the infection completely.

These medicines must be taken for a long time—usually several months. It's very important to take them exactly as your doctor says and to finish all your medicine. This helps make sure all the bacteria are gone.

These are some of the usual medicines doctors prescribe to treat tuberculosis:

1. Isoniazid (Hyzyd)
2. Rifampin (Rifadin)
3. Ethambutol (Myambutol)
4. Pyrazinamide (Zinamide)
5. Rifapentine (Priftin)

Recovery: You may start feeling better and have more energy after a few weeks of treatment. However, the full course usually lasts six to nine months to make sure TB is completely cured.

Can Tuberculosis Be Prevented?

You can lower your chances of spreading or catching tuberculosis by following these simple steps:

• Wash your hands carefully and often.
• Always cough into your elbow or cover your mouth to stop germs from spreading.
• Avoid close contact with others.
• Take all your medicines exactly as your doctor prescribes you.
• Don't go back to work or school until your doctor says it's safe.
• In hospitals, the best ways to stop TB from spreading are good airflow (ventilation) and using protective gear such as gloves and masks.

Is There a Vaccine for Tuberculosis?

In areas where tuberculosis is common, babies usually receive the BCG vaccine. This dose helps protect young children from serious TB in the spine and brain.

However, the BCG vaccine doesn't work well against TB in the lungs, which is more common in the U.S. Right now, numerous of the latest TB vaccines are being tested and developed.

Tuberculosis may cause several deaths worldwide, but it can be cured with proper treatment. Taking your medicine exactly as your doctor advises is always essential. If you think you've been around someone with tuberculosis or notice any symptoms, be sure to reach out to your healthcare provider right away.

Additionally, you can also get the best support you need for diagnosis, treatment, and recovery for tuberculosis with Star Health Insurance.

Star Health has your back every step of the way, from expert care to financial peace of mind!

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