WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is tuberculosis (TB)? TB is a severe infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB usually starts in the lungs. The bacteria are easily spread from one person to another through the air. They can live in your body a long time without making you sick. This is called latent TB. Latent means you do not have symptoms, but you may develop them later. Latent TB can develop into active TB if it is not treated. What increases my risk for TB? - Close contact with someone who has TB
- Travel to an area where TB is common, such as Africa, Asia, or Latin America
- Illegal drug use
- A weak immune system
- Living or working with large groups of people in small spaces
- A medical condition, such as HIV, diabetes, cancer, or kidney disease
What are the signs and symptoms of TB? You can spread TB to others even if you do not yet have symptoms. TB mostly affects the lungs, but almost any part of the body can be infected. You may have any of the following: - A fever or night sweats
- Weight loss without trying
- Tiredness
- A cough for at least 3 weeks
- Blood in your sputum
- Chest or upper back pain, especially when you breathe
- Shortness of breath
How is TB diagnosed? - Blood tests may show a TB infection and how well your organs are working.
- A chest x-ray may show swelling, infection, or lung collapse.
- A CT scan may show lung damage, infection, and TB. You may be given contrast liquid to help healthcare providers see your lungs better. Tell the healthcare provider if you have ever had an allergic reaction to contrast liquid.
- A TB skin test is an injection into the skin of your forearm. Your skin is checked after 2 to 3 days for signs of TB. This test is done to see if you have been exposed to the germ that causes TB.
- A sputum sample is tested for the germ that is causing your TB. It can also help healthcare providers choose the best treatment for you. Mucus from your lungs is collected in a cup when you cough. You may need to give 3 samples of your sputum, usually first thing in the morning.
How is TB treated? TB is treated with antibiotic medicine to fight the infection. You will need to take 3 to 4 types of antibiotics for up to 8 weeks. Then you will need to take at least 2 types of antibiotics for another 18 to 31 weeks. What can I do to help prevent the spread of TB? - Take your medicine as directed. If you forget to take your pills one time, skip that dose and take the next scheduled dose. Write down that you missed a dose and tell your healthcare provider at your next visit.
- Wash your hands often. Use soap and water. Wash your hands after you use the bathroom, change a child's diapers, or sneeze. Wash your hands before you prepare or eat food.
- Cover your mouth and nose. You may need to wear a mask. Use tissues when you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue away. If possible, flush used tissues down a toilet.
- Avoid close contact with others. Babies and elderly people are at increased risk for TB.
- Tell family, friends, and coworkers that you have TB. They may have latent TB and need to take medicine to prevent it from becoming active.
Where can I find more information? - CDC National Prevention Information Network
PO Box 6003
Rockville , MD20849-6003
Phone: 1- 800 - 4585231
Web Address: http://www.cdcnpin.org
- World Health Organization
Web Address: www.who.int
When should I seek immediate care? - You have chest pain or cough up blood.
- You have trouble breathing.
- You have a fever, headache, and a stiff neck.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - You have a fever.
- You have a rash, nausea, or vomiting.
- The whites of your eyes or your skin look yellow.
- Your urine looks like dark tea or coffee.
- Your symptoms do not go away or get worse, even after you take medicine.
- You have a cough that does not go away after 3 or 4 weeks.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
|