How Tuberculosis Spreads: Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment

Wondering how tuberculosis spreads? Learn everything about TB, including symptoms, causes, and treatment options. Get informed and protect yourself.

1. How Tuberculosis
Spreads:
Symptoms,
Causes, and
Treatment
DOC-AID URGENT CARE

2. Key Points:
•TB spreads through the air via droplets released
when an infected person coughs, sneezes or sings
•People who live in crowded conditions and those
with weakened immune systems are more
vulnerable to TB infection.

3. Are you having trouble breathing or experiencing a fever? You might be worried that you have the Flu
or COVID-19. However, these symptoms aren't only caused by the novel virus. Tuberculosis, like
COVID-19, also targets the lungs and can cause similar symptoms.
Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious illness that mostly harms the lungs. It is caused by certain bacteria.

4. Is tuberculosis airborne or droplet?
According to the American Lung Association, the bacteria spreads through the air from person
to person and mainly targets the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body.
Tuberculosis can spread when a person with the illness coughs, sneezes, or sings, releasing
tiny droplets containing the germs into the air. Another person can inhale these droplets,
allowing the germs to enter their lungs.
Tuberculosis spreads easily in crowded places or living conditions. People with HIV/AIDS or
other weakened immune systems are at a higher risk of catching tuberculosis compared to
those with healthy immune systems.

5. Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis
A TB infection doesn't always lead to illness. The disease has several stages and forms:
Primary TB
This is the initial stage of a tuberculosis infection. Your immune system might be able to fight off the germs, but
sometimes, it doesn't eliminate all of them, allowing the germs to keep multiplying. According to the Centers for
Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), most primary TB infections often show no symptoms and are followed by a
latent TB infection.
Symptoms of Primary TB may include:
•mild or progressively worsening dry cough
•low-grade fever, fatigue
•weight loss
•night sweats

6. Latent TB
The bacteria are present in your body and can be detected through tests, but they are not
active. During this stage, you do not have any symptoms and cannot transmit the disease to
others, as mentioned by MedlinePlus. However, the infection is still alive and could potentially
become active in the future. If your doctor thinks you're more likely to have this happen, they
might prescribe medication to keep those germs inactive for good. This is more common if
you have certain conditions like HIV, a recent TB infection, an unusual chest X-ray, or a
weakened immune system.

7. Active TB
Active tuberculosis (TB) develops when the immune system cannot manage an infection. The TB bacteria are active and multiplying,
making you feel unwell and contagious to others. To prevent serious problems and protect those around you, getting medical attention
right away is crucial.
Symptoms of Active TB usually start slowly and progress over a few weeks:
•Cough
•Coughing up blood or mucus
•Chest pain
•Pain with breathing or coughing
•Fever
•Chills
•Night sweats
•Weight loss
•Not wanting to eat
•Tiredness
•Not feeling well in general

8. How is Tuberculosis Treated?
Treatment for tuberculosis depends on the type of the disease. If you have latent tuberculosis, you might only need
one or two medications. For active tuberculosis, doctors usually recommend a combination of antibiotics for at least
six months. The specific medicines and how long you'll need to take them will be decided based on your age, medical
history, overall health, and where the tuberculosis is in your body.
Common medications used for tuberculosis treatment include:
•Isoniazid
•Rifampin (Rifandin, Rimactane)
•Ethambutol (Myambutol)
•Pyrazinamide

9. How to Test for Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis Skin Test
To do this test, your doctor will inject a liquid called tuberculin into your lower arm skin with a small needle. This will
result in a tiny, pale bump. You'll need to return in two or three days so your provider can assess the reaction on your
arm. If you have a raised, firm bump or swelling, the test will be positive for tuberculosis. However, a positive result
doesn't always mean you have active tuberculosis. On the other hand, no skin reaction to the test means you don't
have tuberculosis.
Tuberculosis Blood Test
A blood test can help confirm infection for individuals who have received the tuberculosis vaccine or had a negative
skin test. If the blood test shows a positive result, further tests will be conducted to determine whether the
tuberculosis infection is active or latent.