What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated.

TB can spread through close contact with people who have TB and have symptoms, this is called active TB. When someone with active TB coughs, they release small droplets containing the bacteria. You can catch TB if you regularly breathe in these droplets over a long period of time.

Some people have TB in their bodies but do not get ill or have any symptoms. this is called latent TB. This type of TB cannot be spread to others, but it can turn into active TB in the future, particularly if the immune system becomes weakened.

Symptoms of TB

Common symptoms of TB include:

• A cough for three weeks (sometimes with blood in it)
• Weight loss
• Feeling out of breath
• High temperature
• Feeling very tired
• Lack of appetite

You may also have other symptoms like body aches, constipation, tummy or pelvic pain, or being sick, a headache, swollen joints or ankles or swollen glands, and a stiff neck.

These symptoms can have many different causes, however, and are not always a sign of TB.

Treating TB

The main treatment for TB is to take antibiotics for at least 6 months. In some cases, you may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks.

If you have TB but do not have symptoms (latent TB) you usually need to take antibiotics for 3 to 6 months.

If you have TB, people you live with, and any other close contacts may need a check-up to find out whether they have been infected.

Telling loved ones and friends about your diagnosis means they can be aware of the symptoms and can arrange an appointment with their GP if any of these develop.

Next steps

Speak to your GP if you suspect you have TB or were in contact with someone who has TB.