Diseases
tuberculosis
For healthcare professionals — reference only. This page is a brief summary, not medical advice and not a substitute for official labeling or clinical judgement. Always verify before prescribing or dispensing.
Overview
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can pass through the air between people. When it affects the lungs, the medical name for this is pulmonary tuberculosis. It can cause chest pain, severe coughing, and a range of other symptoms.
Symptoms
- a bad cough that lasts for at least 3 weeks
- chest pain
- coughing up blood or phlegm from the lungs
- breathlessness
- a loss of appetite
Causes
- tb is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis (m. tuberculosis).
Risk factors
- weakened immune system
- traveling or living in certain areas ie, africa or asia
- living with someone infected with tb.
Diagnosis
- blood tests
- physical exam
- imaging tests
- skin test
Medicines used
Frequently asked questions
What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that can pass through the air between people. When it affects the lungs, the medical name for this is pulmonary tuberculosis. It can cause chest pain, severe coughing, and a range of other symptoms.
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?
a bad cough that lasts for at least 3 weeks, chest pain, coughing up blood or phlegm from the lungs, breathlessness, a loss of appetite
What causes tuberculosis?
tb is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis (m. tuberculosis).
Which medicines are used for tuberculosis?
clarithromycin, cycloserine, ethambutol, isoniazid, prednisone, pyrazinamide, rifabutin, rifampicin, streptomycin
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