Bacterial infection primarily affecting lungs. Review possible symptoms, contributing factors, assessment, warning signs and care options.
About Tuberculosis
Bacterial infection primarily affecting lungs
Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs.
It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through airborne droplets.
Editorial update (28 September 2026): structured medical content awaits clinical reviewer sign-off.
How assessment may be approached
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
Care can range from monitoring and fluids to prescribed treatment, infection-control measures and follow-up. Ask whether antibiotics or other medicine are actually indicated and how to prevent spread.
When to seek prompt care
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
Symptoms
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Coughing up blood
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
Possible causes
- Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria
- Airborne transmission
- Weakened immune system
Care and treatment options
- Antibiotics (6-9 months)
- Directly observed therapy
- Isolation (active TB)
- Nutritional support
Key points
- Affects 10 million yearly
- Leading infectious killer
- Treatable and curable
- Drug resistance is concern
Preparing for a consultation
- Fever readings and timing of symptoms.
- Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures.
- Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines.
- Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell.
Questions worth asking
- Is Tuberculosis the most likely explanation for these symptoms, and what alternatives should be checked?
- Which symptoms or findings would require urgent review?
- Are medicines, underlying health problems or lifestyle factors contributing?
- What tests or examinations are needed now, and what can safely wait?
- What treatment or self-care options are reasonable, and when should I be reviewed again?
- What is the expected benefit, limit, cost and follow-up plan for the suggested care?
Related conditions
Related clinicians
Related tests
Medical information limitations
This page summarizes listed condition information and cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. Do not start, stop or change prescribed treatment based only on this page.
Common questions
What is Tuberculosis?
Bacterial infection primarily affecting lungs This is general information; the name describes a possible diagnosis or clinical problem, not a personal diagnosis.
How might a clinician assess Tuberculosis?
Assessment may include symptom timing, fever, exposures, travel, contacts, vaccination status and medicines. Tests may identify a specific infection, but treatment decisions should match clinical urgency and local guidance.
What care may be discussed?
Care options listed include Antibiotics (6-9 months), Directly observed therapy, Isolation (active TB), Nutritional support. Which option is appropriate depends on the confirmed cause, severity, preferences and contraindications.
When should Tuberculosis be checked urgently?
Seek urgent care for stiff neck, severe headache, confusion, breathing difficulty, persistent vomiting, dehydration, rash with fever, severe weakness or rapidly worsening illness.
How should I prepare for a consultation?
Fever readings and timing of symptoms. Travel, food, water, animal or contact exposures. Vaccination history and immune-suppressing medicines. Recent test results, medicines and who else may be unwell. Bring previous reports and a current medicine list where relevant.
Can this page diagnose or treat the condition?
No. A page about Tuberculosis can help you understand possible features and questions, but it cannot confirm a diagnosis or choose treatment. A qualified clinician should assess your symptoms, history and any test results.
General information only; it is not a diagnosis or a substitute for a qualified clinician’s advice.