Tuberculosis: Quick Guide to Symptoms, Tests, and Treatment

Tuberculosis still infects millions worldwide and can hide quietly in the body. You might think TB is rare where you live, but exposure can happen through close contact. Knowing the signs, how testing works, and how treatments work makes a big difference.

TB comes in two forms: latent and active. Latent TB means the bacteria are in your body but you feel fine and aren't contagious. Active TB causes symptoms and can spread to others. A simple way to tell them apart is that active TB often causes a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, weight loss, night sweats, fever, and fatigue.

Diagnosis and tests

Doctors use two main tests: the skin test (TST) and blood tests called IGRA. Both show if you've been exposed, but they can't tell active disease from latent. If a test is positive, your doctor will order a chest X-ray and sputum tests to check for active TB bacteria. Sputum culture is the gold standard; it takes time but confirms whether the bacteria are present and helps identify drug resistance.

Treatment and drug basics

Standard treatment for drug-sensitive TB uses four drugs at first: isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. After the first two months, treatment usually continues with isoniazid and rifampin for four more months. Treatment is long on purpose — stopping early makes resistance more likely. Drug-resistant TB needs different, often longer regimens with second-line drugs like fluoroquinolones or newer agents such as bedaquiline.

Side effects can be real. Rifampin can change urine color and interact with many medicines, and isoniazid can affect the liver. Regular blood tests and check-ins help catch problems early. Tell your clinician about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter ones.

Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is a program where a healthcare worker watches you take pills. DOT improves cure rates and reduces resistance, especially in high-risk situations. If DOT isn't available, set daily reminders and involve a family member to help you stick with the plan.

Prevention matters. If you are exposed to someone with active TB, your doctor might offer preventive therapy to lower the chance of developing active disease. The BCG vaccine is used in many countries with high TB rates and helps protect young children from severe TB, but it doesn't fully stop adult pulmonary TB.

If you travel to places with high TB rates, know the risks: crowded living conditions and long stays increase exposure. Health screening for TB is routine for close contacts, healthcare workers, and some immigrants.

Don't ignore a long cough or unexplained weight loss. Early diagnosis shortens treatment, stops spread, and protects others. If you want more practical guides on TB meds, shipping, and safe online pharmacies, check the articles tagged 'tuberculosis' on this site for reviews, drug info, and safety tips.

Ask about drug interactions if you take HIV meds or diabetes meds. Public health teams handle contact tracing and can help with free tests and medicines. If you have trouble paying for treatment, many clinics offer support programs or social work, keeping you on therapy.