Tuberculosis (TB)
The symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) vary depending on which part of the body is affected.
TB disease usually develops slowly, and it may take several weeks for you to become aware that you're unwell. Your symptoms might not begin until months or even years after you were initially infected. Sometimes the infection doesn't cause any symptoms. This is known as latent TB .
It's called active TB if you have symptoms.However, in some cases, symptoms might not develop until months or even years after the initial infection. Contact your GP if you or your child have symptoms of TB.
These symptoms can have many different causes, however, and aren't always a sign of TB.
Most TBinfections affect the lungs, which can cause:
Less commonly, TB infections develop in areas outside the lungs, such as the small glands that form part of the immune system (the lymph nodes), the bones and joints, the digestive system, the bladder and reproductive system, and the brain and nerves (the nervous system).
Symptoms can include:
TB affecting other parts of the bodyis more common in people who have a weakened immune system.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection spread through inhaling tiny droplets from the coughs or sneezes of an infected person. It mainly affects the lungs, but it can affect any part of the body, including the tummy (abdomen) glands, bones and nervous system.
The symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) vary depending on which part of the body is affected. TB disease usually develops slowly, and it may take several weeks for you to become aware that you're unwell. General symptoms include lack of appetite, weight loss, fever, night sweats and extreme tiredness.
Read about the cause of tuberculosis (TB) and the groups at risk.It's caused by a type of bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis.
Several tests are used to diagnose tuberculosis (TB), depending on the type of TB that is suspected. You may have a chest X-ray to look for changes in the appearance of your lungs that are suggestive of TB.
Find out how tuberculosis (TB) is treated. Treatment usually involves taking antibiotics for several months.