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TB Disease

At one time, tuberculosis (TB) was the primary cause of death in America. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) TB strikes more than 9 million people world-wide with nearly 2 million tuberculosis-related deaths around the globe.

  1. Causes

    • TB is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium which most commonly attacks your lungs but can also attack your brain, spine and kidneys.

    Types

    • There are two distinct categories of the disease. Latent TB infections are characterized by exposure to the bacteria but no physical illness. If the bacteria spread, you may still become ill. Active TB is characterized by the bacteria multiplying and growing in your body, causing illness and symptoms.

    How It Spreads

    • The bacteria are spread from airborne exposure. If a person with an active TB infection sneezes, coughs, sings or speaks, people in close proximity may inhale the bacteria and develop an infection.

    Symptoms

    • Generally, TB grows in your lungs, causing symptoms like chest pain, coughing up blood or mucus and a persistent cough lasting at least 3 weeks. Additional symptoms may include night sweats, weight loss, diminished appetite, fatigue, weakness, fever and chills.

    Treatment

    • The United States FDA (Food and Drug Administration) has several medications approved for treating the tuberculosis including rifampin, isoniazid, pyrazinamide and ethambutol.

    Treatment Time Frame

    • Treatment for a TB infection generally lasts anywhere from 6 months to 2 years and usually consists of an initial 2 month phase followed by a second continuation phase which lasts 4 to 7 months.

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