Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually spreads when someone breathes in tiny droplets released by an infected person's cough or sneeze.
TB is a serious illness, and antibiotics can treat it, but in some cases it can still be life threatening even with treatment.
A vaccine is available that helps protect certain people who are at risk of TB.
TB mainly affects the lungs, which is called pulmonary TB. However, it can affect any part of the body, including the glands, bones and nervous system, and this is known as extrapulmonary TB.
Common Symptoms
Emergency Warning Signs
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You:
- have a stiff neck and a severe headache
- find it painful to look at bright lights
- have had a seizure or fit
- have had a change in behaviour – like sudden confusion
- have weakness or loss of movement in part of the body
These could be signs that TB has spread to your brain (meningitis).
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
- you’re coughing up blood or mucus (phlegm) with blood in it
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
Contact your GP practice if:
You:
- have had a cough for more than 3 weeks
- are feeling tired or exhausted and you’re not sure why
- have a high temperature or night sweats that do not go away
- often do not feel hungry
- keep losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine
- have new swellings or lumps that haven’t gone away after a few weeks
- have spent a lot of time with someone who has TB and has symptoms (for example, you live with someone who has it)
⚠️ This symptom list is for educational purposes. Having these symptoms does not mean you have this condition. See a doctor for proper diagnosis.
Medicines Commonly Used
⚠️ These medicines are commonly used for confirmed diagnoses of this condition. This is NOT a recommendation or prescription. Treatment must be determined by your doctor.
No medicines have been linked to this condition yet.
When to See a Doctor
Phone 999 or go to A&E if:
You:
- have a stiff neck and a severe headache
- find it painful to look at bright lights
- have had a seizure or fit
- have had a change in behaviour – like sudden confusion
- have weakness or loss of movement in part of the body
These could be signs that TB has spread to your brain (meningitis).
Contact your GP practice urgently if:
- you’re coughing up blood or mucus (phlegm) with blood in it
If your GP practice is closed, phone 111.
Contact your GP practice if:
You:
- have had a cough for more than 3 weeks
- are feeling tired or exhausted and you’re not sure why
- have a high temperature or night sweats that do not go away
- often do not feel hungry
- keep losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine
- have new swellings or lumps that haven’t gone away after a few weeks
- have spent a lot of time with someone who has TB and has symptoms (for example, you live with someone who has it)
Causes
What causes tuberculosis (TB)?
TB is caused by a type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
TB spreads when a person with an active TB infection coughs or sneezes, and someone else breathes in the droplets that are released, which carry the TB bacteria.
TB usually spreads only after prolonged exposure to someone who has the illness. This is why it often passes between family members living in the same house.
Not everyone with TB can pass it on. People whose TB occurs outside the lungs, known as extrapulmonary TB, generally don't spread the infection to others.
Who is most at risk of tuberculosis (TB)?
Anyone can catch TB, but you may be more at risk if you:
- were born in, live in, or have spent time in a country or area where TB is common
- have had prolonged, close contact with someone who has active TB
- have a condition that weakens your immune system, such as HIV
- are undergoing treatments that weaken the immune system, such as corticosteroids or chemotherapy
- are very young or elderly, since the immune system tends to be weaker at these ages
- live in overcrowded or unhealthy conditions, such as people who are homeless
- are in poor health or have a poor diet
- regularly smoke, drink alcohol, or take drugs
Diagnosis
Diagnosing tuberculosis (TB)
Different tests are used to diagnose TB. The tests you’ll need will depend on what type of TB you may have.
Testing for latent TB infection
If you have no symptoms but are at risk of TB, for example you’ve been in close contact with someone who has TB, you may need to be tested for latent TB infection. Common tests for latent TB infection include blood tests and the Mantoux test.
Interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) is a newer type of blood test for TB that’s becoming more widely available.
A Mantoux test is a skin test where a small amount of liquid is injected under the skin in your arm. This liquid will cause a small reaction on your skin if you have TB infection.
Testing for active TB
Tests for active TB can include:
- an X-ray, ultrasound, MRI scan or CT scan of your chest or the part of your body that may be affected
- taking samples of your mucus (phlegm)
- blood tests
- a biopsy – a small sample of tissue or fluid is taken from the affected area and tested for TB bacteria
Your GP may refer you to a TB specialist for testing and treatment if they think you have TB.
Treatment
Treatment for tuberculosis (TB)
The main treatment for TB is to take antibiotics for at least 6 months.
Several different antibiotics are used. If you’re infected with a drug-resistant form of TB, additional medications may be required and treatment may take longer.
After taking the medicine for 2 weeks, most people are no longer infectious and feel better.
If TB has spread to your brain, spinal cord or the area around your heart, you may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks.
If you have TB but do not have symptoms (latent TB infection) you usually need to take antibiotics for 3 to 6 months. Latent TB infection is not always treated if it’s thought to be drug-resistant. If this is the case, you may be monitored regularly to check the infection doesn’t become active.
Important
It’s important to take your antibiotics correctly. Take them until you’ve completed the course, even if you feel better.
If you stop your treatment early, or you skip a dose, the TB infection may become resistant to the antibiotics and the infection could return.
Most people won’t need to be admitted to hospital to be treated for TB.
Prevention
How to prevent the spread of tuberculosis (TB)
If you’re diagnosed with pulmonary TB, you’ll be contagious up to 2 to 3 weeks into your course of treatment.
You won’t usually need to be isolated during this time. However, it’s important to take steps to stop TB spreading to your family and friends.
Do
- stay away from work, school or college until your healthcare team tell you it’s safe to go back
- always cover your mouth with a disposable tissue when coughing, sneezing or laughing
- carefully dispose of any used tissues in a sealed plastic bag
- open windows when possible to ensure a good supply of fresh air in the areas where you spend time
Do not sleep in the same room as other people. You could cough or sneeze in your sleep without realising it.
Tuberculosis vaccination
The BCG vaccine can provide effective protection against TB.
Currently, the BCG vaccine is offered to babies who are more likely to come into contact with someone with TB.
A baby can get the the BCG vaccine if they:
- have a parent or grandparent who was born in a country with a high rate of TB
- will soon live in an area with a high rate of TB, for more than 3 months
- have been living with, or have had regular close contact with, someone who has or has had TB
If you’re unsure if your baby meets these criteria, please speak to a healthcare professional.
Find out more about the BCG vaccine for tuberculosis (TB)
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