Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease because of the bacteriaMycobacterium tuberculosis.
(1)
The disease has been around for most of human history, becoming particularly deadly at times.
In fact, researchers can trace tuberculosis back to early Egypt, more than 5,000 years ago.
(2,3)
Its possible thatM.
tuberculosiscould have killed more people than any other microorganism.
Tuberculosis was an epidemic in industrialized Europe and North America during the 18th and 19th centuries.
During those times it was known as “consumption.”
(8) Thats why its important to get screenings if you believe youve been exposed to TB.
Once TB becomes active, youll begin to notice symptoms.
But symptoms may not show up in full force right away.
The first thing you may notice is a bad cough that doesnt go away, or chest pain.
If someone who is actively sick talks, coughs, sneezes, or speaks they can spread TB.
Theres a higher chance of catching parasites in Africa than TB, according to Dr. Reichman.
Learn More About Risk Factors for Tuberculosis
How Is Tuberculosis Diagnosed?
Diagnosing tuberculosiscan be a complex process.
Doctors will first consider a persons history and the likelihood they were exposed to someone with active disease.
A solution made from TB bacteria is injected in the top layer of skin on the forearm.
The person will then return in 48 or 72 hours to have the injection site examined.
But this test isnt a perfect science.
Sometimes results can be wrong, showing false positives or false negatives.
(5,11)
A blood test can provide more conclusive results.
The interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) test measures the body’s immune response to the presence ofM.
The test is done in a lab after a blood sample is drawn.
If initial screenings come back positive, further testing is needed to diagnose active TB.
Additional lab tests can determine which strain of TB bacteria a person has and which antibiotics are most effective.
Imaging gives more information on where the disease is located and how its affecting the body.
One of the biggest worries during TB treatment is people stopping their medication before all the bacteria dies.
The leftover bacteria can continue to grow and become resistant to antibiotics.
This makes the disease much more dangerous and harder to treat.
(12)
Active TB is contagious, making it a public health concern.
(14)
Treatment for active TB disease can take six to nine months.
It’s vital that people with TB disease complete their full course of medication exactly as prescribed.
Otherwise, the disease can return and be more resistant to treatment.
Ultimately, untreated TB can be fatal, notes Mayo Clinic.
It can be hard on the liver.
Doctors will monitor your liver function on regular checkups to confirm youre not in danger of complications.
Learn More About Living With TB and Avoiding Complications
Research and Statistics: Who Gets TB?
In 2021, an estimated 10.6 million people got sick from the disease and 1.6 million died.
According to the WHO, about 187,000 HIV-positive people died from TB in 2021.
Biologic medication that suppresses the immune system can increase the possibility of activating latent TB, according to UpToDate.
(20) So it’s important to get tested for TB before you get going taking these drugs.
Her work has appeared on numerous websites, including HealthDay, KidsHealth, Healthgrades, and Baby Gooroo.
Dallas conducted extensive research for ABC’s20/20.
Dallas is an avid tennis player.
When she is not researching and writing, you’re free to often find her on the court.
Active TB Disease: Whats the Difference?
Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
