It is a bacterial infection that usually starts in the lungs, but can spread to other parts of the body
The NHS has issued a warning over a slow-developing bacterial infection that usually starts with a cough. While the illness isn’t generally as contagious as a common cold, it can be far more serious, potentially requiring antibiotics for at least six months.
“Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs,” the health body stressed on X earlier this morning. “It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. Learn more about the symptoms and treatments of this condition.”
As the NHS implies, TB is caused by the spread of bacteria. When someone with active TB coughs, sneezes or speaks, tiny germs are released into the air, which others may inhale.
TB symptoms typically come on gradually, often starting with a cough that lasts more than three weeks. This cough may contain mucus or phlegm with blood in it. High temperatures, exhaustion, and weight loss may accompany this, too, with the latter often associated with a lack of appetite.
Although TB commonly affects the lungs, it can spread to other body parts, including the lymph nodes, bones, or even the brain. If this occurs, you may then notice an array of other uncomfortable symptoms, including the following:
- Rash on the legs, face or other part of the body
- Nausea and vomiting
- Swollen ankles and joints
- Swollen glands
- Confusion
- Headaches
- Stiff neck
- Stomach or pelvis pain
- Constipation
- Aching body and pains
- Dark or cloudy pee
However, experts at the University of Edinburgh also saysome cases of TB are entirely symptomless. “Not everyone with TB is infectious,” they wrote in a previous blog.
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“People with a TB infection that occurs outside the lungs (extrapulmonary TB) don’t spread the infection. In most healthy people, the immune system is able to destroy the bacteria that cause TB.
“In some cases, the bacteria infect the body but don’t cause any symptoms (latent TB), or the infection begins to cause symptoms within weeks, months or even years (active TB). Up to 10% of people with latent TB eventually develop active TB years after the initial infection.”
Individuals with TB symptoms are encouraged to see a GP for further advice and examinations. These may involve mucus sampling, X-rays, CT scans, or tissue biopsies from the affected area.
Anyone may contract the illness, but it is more common among people who spend a lot of time around others with active TB or who live in an area where TB is more common. Regular smoking, drinking and having a weakened immune system can worsen your risk as well.
NHS guidance adds: “The main treatment for tuberculosis (TB) is to take antibiotics for at least six months. If TB has spread to your brain, spinal cord or the area around your heart, you may also need to take steroid medicine for a few weeks.
“If you have TB but do not have symptoms (latent TB), you usually need to take antibiotics for three to six months.” It also stresses: “It’s important to take your antibiotics correctly and until you’ve completed the course, even if you feel better. If you stop your treatment early, TB could come back.”
For more information, head to the NHS website.
