What are the types of tuberculosis?

There are two main types of tuberculosis (TB):

1. Pulmonary TB is the most common type and affects the lungs. It can cause coughing, chest pain, and fever.

2. Extrapulmonary TB occurs when the bacteria that cause TB spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. Extrapulmonary TB can be more severe than pulmonary TB and can even be fatal if not treated promptly.

Other types of TB include:

* Latent TB is when the bacteria that cause TB are present in the body but are not causing any symptoms. People with latent TB are not contagious, but they can develop active TB later on.

* Active TB is when the bacteria that cause TB are causing symptoms. People with active TB are contagious and can spread the bacteria to others.

* Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is a type of TB that is resistant to at least two of the most commonly used TB drugs. MDR-TB is more difficult to treat than regular TB and can be fatal if not treated properly.

* Extensively drug-resistant TB (XDR-TB) is a type of TB that is resistant to at least four of the most commonly used TB drugs. XDR-TB is very difficult to treat and can be fatal even with the best medical care.

TB is a serious disease, but it is treatable. If you think you might have TB, it is important to see a doctor right away so that you can start treatment as soon as possible.