Everything you need to know about tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is an infectious disease which mainly is caused due to the bacteria mycobacterium which affects the lung. Since the bacteria spreads through the air, it can spread through coughs, sneezes, or even as the person speaks. The bacteria cannot survive on the surface, tuberculosis does not spread through shaking hands, sharing a bathroom, shaking glasses or eating utensils. Symptoms Although the body may not harbor the bacteria causing tuberculosis, doctors classify symptoms based on the response of the immune system: Latent TB The bacteria remains in the body in an active state and cause no symptoms. Latent TB is not contagious but can turn active if not met with timely treatment. Active TB This type of TB is contagious and can occur in the first few weeks after getting infected with the bacteria. The signs and symptoms of active TB include: coughing that lasts for at least a month, blood in cough, chest pain, fatigue, fever, chills, loss of appetite, and night sweats. Tuberculosis can also affect other parts of the body including, spinal cord, kidneys, and brain. For instance, tuberculosis in the kidneys might cause blood in urine and tuberculosis of the spine might cause back pain. Risk factors The following factors can increase the risk of getting infected from the disease: