TUBERCULOSIS (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious airborne disease caused by Myco-bacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that grows and divides inside of cells. The infection, which starts in the lungs, causes nodules known as tubercles, which are spots left by dead infected tissue. With time, the disease can spread to other areas of the lung and larger areas of lung tissue may die off, causing cavities. Bacteria can also spread to other organs, including the kidney, brain, and spine.

Active TB typically causes many symptoms that are most commonly related to the respiratory system, including coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm). You may experience a cough that lasts for over three weeks and pain when coughing or with normal breathing.

Other symptoms include:

•        unexplained fatigue

•        fever

•        night sweats

•        appetite loss

•        weight loss

While TB usually affects the lungs, it can also affect other organs, such as the kidneys, spine, bone marrow, and brain. Symptoms will vary depending on which organ is infected. For example, tuberculosis of the kidneys can cause you to urinate blood.