Family Health

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious disease caused by airborne bacteria. It affects the lungs. It spreads from one person to another when someone with TB coughs or sneezes. It can move to other organs too. TB is either active or latent.

Latent TB

• There are no signs of illness.
• The disease can't spread to others.
• It can turn into active TB.

Active TB

• Bacteria is growing and causing symptoms.
• It is contagious when the lungs are infected.

Síntomas

• Cough with thick mucus
• Tiredness
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Fast heartbeat
• Swollen neck glands
• Chest pain or difficulty breathing (less common)

Diagnosis

• TB can be found with:
• A skin test or blood test

Treatment

• TB is treated with antibiotics.
• TB is curable only when all prescribed doses are taken as directed by a doctor.

Source: Healthwise

Sandra Barajas-Avalos, BA, Health Education Specialist, Bilingual I

Categories: Health Education Corner