TB Patient Information

TB, or tuberculosis, is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. The bacteria is spread through respiratory secretions released into the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. Infection with TB is common, and approximately 30 percent of the global population is currently infected with the TB bacteria, according to the World Health Organization. However, most people who become infected do not develop symptoms of the disease. Early diagnosis and treatment is crucial to prevent serious complications and death.

Significance

• TB remains a leading cause of death and illness worldwide, according to the Mayo Clinic. The disease is responsible for an estimated 2 million deaths each year, with Africa and Asia having the highest rates of TB illness. Even with advances in TB treatment in recent years, rates of the disease are increasing due to the emergence of drug-resistant strains of the bacteria. Approximately one in 10 people infected with the TB bacteria develop an active TB infection.

Causes

• Tuberculosis is caused by an infection from bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When someone with an active TB infection coughs or sneezes, the bacteria are released into the environment. Anyone who breathes in this contaminated air is at risk for TB infection. Not everyone exposed to the TB bacteria will develop a TB infection. Most at risk are the elderly and those with HIV or chronic diseases such as cancer, diabetes or kidney disease. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, TB is not spread by sharing food or drinks, shaking hands, kissing or sharing towels or toothbrushes.

Symptoms

• The presence of TB bacteria does not always cause symptoms, and many people carry TB without ever developing an active infection. This is known as a latent TB infection. When the infection becomes active and symptoms are present, TB disease is diagnosed. According to the National Institutes of Health, symptoms of an active TB infection include a bad cough, weight loss, weakness, fatigue, chills, fever, night sweats and coughing up blood or mucus. If TB affects organs other than the lungs, other symptoms may develop.

Diagnosis and Treatment

• Diagnosis of TB is confirmed using a simple skin test, called a PPD test. A doctor will inject a small amount of fluid beneath the skin on the arm. If infection is present, a raised red bump will appear a few days after injection. A positive test indicates the possibility of TB, but a chest X-ray is required to confirm the diagnosis. Treatment of TB typically involves taking one pill of isoniazid medication every day for nine months. Other medications may be prescribed for cases of drug-resistant TB, according to the American Academy of Family Physicians. Other medications approved by the FDA to treat TB disease include rifampin, ethambutol and pyrazinamide.

Warning

• Without prompt treatment, tuberculosis can be fatal. Untreated TB can cause permanent lung damage, severe joint pain or joint destruction, or meningitis. A rare, but extremely serious complication of TB is called miliary TB, in which the bacteria is spread throughout the body, affecting multiple organs. Failure to take the entire course of medication used to treat TB may increase the likelihood of developing complications and drug-resistant TB.