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What Is Tuberculosis?

The contagious infectious disease tuberculosis (TB) usually affects your lungs. Besides spreading to other body parts, it can also affect your brain and spine. According to experts at Shriram Pathology Lab, this disease is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Root Origin

Similar to how cold or the flu spreads, tuberculosis can also be caused by bacterial agents in the air. It is only possible to contract TB if you come into contact with someone with the disease.

  •   The person you know, a family member, or a co-worker has active tuberculosis
  •   There is a high risk of contracting TB if you reside or have traveled in an area where it is common. Examples include Russia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Asia, Latin America, and the Caribbean.
  •   In your group, or in the office or home of someone who has TB, you are at greater risk of spreading it. The homeless, HIV-positive individuals, those in prison, and those who inject drugs into their veins fall into this category.
  •   Hospitals or nursing homes are where you work or live.
  •   TB is a high-risk disease for you as a health care worker.
  •   You smoke.

Symptoms

Despite the fact that you may harbor bacteria that cause tuberculosis, your immune system usually prevents you from getting sick. For this reason, doctors make a distinction between Latent TB & Active TB Latent TB that doesn't have symptoms. A skin or blood test can tell if you have it.

  •   Latent TB. Although you have an infection of TB, you're not experiencing symptoms because the bacteria in your body are inactive. As with inactive TB or TB infection, latent TB cannot be transmitted. It is important to treat latent TB before it becomes active.
  •   Active TB. This condition can make you ill and, in most cases, can spread. Following infection with the TB bacteria, it can take weeks or years for TB to manifest.

Signs of active TB disease include:
  •   Cough lasting longer than three weeks
  •   Chest pain longer than three weeks
  •   Coughing up blood longer than three weeks
  •   Feeling tired all the time
  •   Night sweats
  •   Chills
  •   Fever
  •   Loss of appetite
  •   Weight loss

You should see your doctor if you are experiencing any of these symptoms. According to a specialist atShriram Pathology Lab If you experience chest pain, seek immediate medical attention.