Overview
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs, spreading through the air when an infected person coughs. Its hallmark is a cough lasting more than two weeks, often with evening fever, night sweats and weight loss. TB is completely curable with a free, standardised course of medicines taken for six months or more — but stopping treatment midway breeds dangerous drug resistance.
Symptoms
- Cough lasting more than two weeks, sometimes with blood
- Low-grade fever, typically rising in the evening
- Night sweats
- Loss of weight and appetite
- Chest pain or breathlessness in some cases
When to see a doctor
See a doctor for any cough lasting more than two weeks, coughing up blood, or unexplained weight loss with evening fever. TB treatment is free at government centres — complete every dose.
Causes
Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria inhaled from air droplets released when a person with active lung TB coughs, sneezes or speaks. Crowded living conditions, malnutrition, diabetes and HIV increase the risk.