What is tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis – or TB – usually affects the lungs, but it also can damage other parts of the body. If not treated properly, TB can be deadly.
What causes tuberculosis?
A bacteria called mycobacterium causes TB. The disease spreads through the air when a person with TB of the lungs or throat coughs, sneezes or talks. If you’ve been exposed, you should go to your doctor for tests.
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Weight loss and loss of appetite
- A bad cough that lasts three weeks or longer
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Weakness or fatigue
How does Ohio State diagnose tuberculosis?
X-rays, skin and blood tests and other tests can tell you if you have TB. You’re more likely to get TB if you have a weak immune system.
How does Ohio State treat tuberculosis?
Doctors can usually cure active TB by having you take several medicines for a long period of time.
Source: National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases