Tuberculosis
What is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease mainly affects the lungs but can spread to other parts of the body. It spreads through the air when someone with active TB coughs, sneezes, or talks.
TB can be active or latent. Active TB means the bacteria are multiplying and causing symptoms. Latent TB means the bacteria are in your body but inactive and not contagious. Without treatment, latent TB can become active over time. About 1 in 10 people with latent TB will develop active disease in their lifetime.
TB is curable with the right antibiotics taken for several months. Early detection matters because untreated TB can be fatal. Blood tests can help identify immune system changes that suggest TB infection. These tests measure markers like white blood cell counts, monocytes, and lysozyme levels that change during infection.
Symptoms
- Persistent cough lasting 3 weeks or longer
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Chest pain when breathing or coughing
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fatigue and weakness
- Fever and chills
- Night sweats that soak your clothes
- Loss of appetite
People with latent TB have no symptoms and feel healthy. Only active TB causes noticeable signs. This makes testing important for people at higher risk of exposure.
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Causes and risk factors
TB is caused by bacteria that spread from person to person through tiny droplets in the air. You can catch TB by breathing in these droplets when spending time with someone who has active disease. Close contact over time increases your risk. Crowded living conditions, poor ventilation, and weak immune systems make infection more likely.
Risk factors include living with someone who has TB, traveling to countries where TB is common, and working in healthcare settings. People with HIV, diabetes, or kidney disease have higher risk. Smoking and excessive alcohol use weaken your lungs and immune system. Malnutrition and stress also reduce your body's ability to fight infection. Certain medications that suppress the immune system increase your vulnerability to TB.
How it's diagnosed
Doctors diagnose TB using several methods. Skin tests and blood tests can show if you have been exposed to TB bacteria. Chest X-rays reveal lung damage from active disease. Sputum tests check mucus from your lungs for bacteria. These are the most common ways to confirm active TB.
Blood tests at Rite Aid can identify immune system changes associated with TB. We measure white blood cell count, monocytes, lysozyme, and angiotensin-converting enzyme. These markers change when your body fights TB infection. Blood cultures can sometimes detect TB bacteria in your bloodstream. Testing at Quest Diagnostics locations makes it easy to monitor your immune health. Getting tested twice a year helps catch changes early.
Treatment options
- Antibiotics taken for 6 to 9 months without interruption
- Common medications include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide
- Complete the full course even when you feel better
- Eat a nutrient-dense diet with plenty of protein and calories
- Rest and reduce stress to support immune function
- Avoid alcohol and smoking during treatment
- Supplement with vitamin D if levels are low
- Isolate at home until no longer contagious
- Regular follow-up visits to monitor treatment progress
- Directly observed therapy where a healthcare worker watches you take medication
Concerned about Tuberculosis? Get tested at Rite Aid.
- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
Yes, TB is curable with proper antibiotic treatment. You must take medications for 6 to 9 months without missing doses. Most people with active TB become non-contagious within 2 to 3 weeks of starting treatment. Finishing the complete course prevents drug-resistant TB from developing.
Symptoms of active TB typically appear 2 to 12 weeks after infection. However, many people develop latent TB first, which has no symptoms. Latent TB can stay inactive for months or years before becoming active. Only 5 to 10 percent of people with latent TB develop active disease.
Blood tests can show immune system changes that suggest TB infection. Tests like white blood cell count, monocytes, and lysozyme levels change when fighting TB. Blood cultures can sometimes detect the bacteria directly. However, sputum tests remain the gold standard for confirming active TB in the lungs.
No, latent TB is not contagious. You cannot spread TB bacteria to others when the infection is inactive. Only people with active TB disease can transmit the bacteria through coughing or talking. This is why treatment for latent TB focuses on preventing it from becoming active.
Eat protein-rich foods like eggs, fish, chicken, and legumes to support immune function. Include fruits and vegetables high in vitamins A and C. Whole grains provide energy your body needs during recovery. Avoid processed foods, sugar, and alcohol that weaken your immune system.
Healthcare workers should get TB testing annually or more often based on exposure risk. Some hospitals require testing every 6 months for high-risk departments. Blood tests can monitor immune markers that suggest infection. Regular testing helps catch TB early when treatment is most effective.
Yes, you can get TB again after successful treatment. Your immunity after recovering is not permanent. People living in areas where TB is common face higher reinfection risk. Taking preventive antibiotics and avoiding close contact with active cases reduces your risk.
Stopping treatment early allows bacteria to multiply again and can make them drug-resistant. Drug-resistant TB is much harder to treat and requires stronger medications for longer periods. You may become contagious again and spread resistant bacteria. Always complete the full course your doctor prescribes.
Research shows vitamin D supports immune function against TB bacteria. Many people with TB have low vitamin D levels. Supplementing with vitamin D may help your body fight infection more effectively. Ask your doctor to check your vitamin D levels and recommend appropriate doses.
Stay in a separate room and wear a mask when around others until your doctor says you are not contagious. Open windows to improve air circulation. Cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing. Wash your hands frequently and avoid sharing dishes or utensils until treatment makes you non-infectious.