Tuberculosis is a lung infection that spreads through the air and can make it hard to breathe. If not treated, it can spread to other organs and become life-threatening.

• Close Contact with an Infected Person: Spending time with someone who has active TB increases your risk of contracting the infection.
• Weakened Immune System: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV, diabetes, or undergoing chemotherapy, are more likely to develop TB if exposed.
• Living in High-Risk Areas: People living in or traveling to regions with high rates of TB, such as Africa, Southeast Asia, or parts of Eastern Europe, have a greater chance of exposure.
• Malnutrition or Poor Living Conditions: Malnourished individuals or those living in crowded, unsanitary conditions are at higher risk of contracting TB.

• People with Weak Immune Systems: Those with HIV, diabetes, or other immune-compromising conditions are more vulnerable to TB.
• Healthcare Workers: Doctors, nurses, and other medical staff who care for TB patients are at increased risk.
• Individuals in Close Living Quarters: People living in shelters, prisons, or areas with poor ventilation are more likely to be exposed to TB.
• Travelers to High-Risk Regions: Visiting areas where TB is common can increase the likelihood of exposure, particularly if precautions are not taken.

• Persistent Cough: A cough lasting three weeks or longer, often accompanied by coughing up blood or mucus.
• Chest Pain: Pain in the chest, especially during coughing or breathing.
• Fever and Chills: Recurrent fever and chills, often at night.
• Fatigue: Feeling constantly tired or weak.
• Unexplained Weight Loss: Significant weight loss that is not due to changes in diet or exercise.
• Night Sweats: Sweating excessively during sleep, even when the room is cool.

• Coughing Up Blood: Blood in the sputum is a sign of advanced TB and needs urgent evaluation.
• Severe Chest Pain or Difficulty Breathing: This could signal a serious lung infection or other complications like pleural effusion (fluid buildup around the lungs).
• High Fever: Persistent high fever may suggest an active and spreading infection.

• Medical History and Physical Exam: Doctors will assess symptoms, ask about potential exposure to TB, and listen to lung sounds for abnormalities.
• Tuberculin Skin Test (TST): Also known as the Mantoux test, this involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin under the skin. A positive reaction, seen as swelling at the injection site, may indicate TB infection.
• Blood Tests: TB blood tests, such as the interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), measure the immune system’s response to TB bacteria.
• Chest X-ray: A chest X-ray can reveal abnormalities in the lungs that may indicate TB.
• Sputum Test: A sample of mucus or phlegm coughed up from the lungs is examined under a microscope to detect the presence of TB bacteria.

• First-Line Medications: The most common medications used to treat TB include Isoniazid (INH), Rifampin (RIF), Ethambutol (EMB), and Pyrazinamide (PZA). These drugs are typically used in combination over several months to effectively kill the TB bacteria.
• Directly Observed Therapy (DOT): To ensure patients complete the full course of treatment, healthcare providers may use DOT, where patients are monitored to take their medications correctly.
• Drug-Resistant TB: If the bacteria become resistant to standard antibiotics, more advanced treatments with second-line drugs may be required, and the treatment duration could be extended.

• Consult a Doctor: Seek medical advice immediately for a thorough evaluation and testing.
• Isolate Yourself if Necessary: If you are diagnosed with TB, avoid close contact with others until your healthcare provider says it's safe.
• Follow the Treatment Plan: Completing the full course of antibiotics is essential to curing TB and preventing the development of drug-resistant strains.

• Vaccination (BCG Vaccine): The Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine can offer protection against TB, especially in infants and young children in high-risk areas. It is not commonly used in the United States but is prevalent in countries where TB is more common.
• Screening and Testing: Regular TB testing for individuals in high-risk groups, such as healthcare workers, people living in crowded conditions, or those with weakened immune systems, can help detect latent infections before they become active.
• Proper Ventilation in Crowded Areas: Improving airflow in crowded or confined spaces, like shelters and prisons, reduces the concentration of TB bacteria in the air.
• Use of Protective Masks: Wearing face masks, especially in healthcare settings or during TB outbreaks, can prevent inhalation of TB bacteria.

• Latent TB Treatment: If diagnosed with latent TB (where the bacteria are present but inactive), preventive antibiotics may be prescribed to reduce the risk of developing active TB.
• Good Hygiene Practices: Individuals with active TB should cover their mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing and avoid close contact with others until they are no longer contagious.