This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs. It is less common in high-income countries but still occurs, particularly in people who have lived in or travelled from higher-burden regions. Diagnosis and the full course of treatment are effective, and any cough lasting two weeks or more should be tested.
Symptoms
Cough lasting two weeks or more
Coughing up blood
Night sweats
Fever, especially in the evenings
Unintentional weight loss
Loss of appetite
Chest pain
Causes & risk factors
Inhaling bacteria from an infectious person's cough
Living in crowded or poorly ventilated housing
Weakened immunity, especially HIV
Malnutrition, diabetes or heavy smoking
Treatment & self-care
TB is cured with a standardised course of antibiotics taken daily for at least six months — stopping early breeds drug resistance, which is far harder to treat. Public health services support diagnosis, treatment and screening of household contacts. Good nutrition, ventilation and completing the full course are central to a cure.
See a doctor urgently if
Cough lasting more than two weeks
Coughing up blood
Night sweats with weight loss
Close contact with someone diagnosed with TB
TB symptoms in someone living with HIV
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Tuberculosis (TB)?
Early signs often include cough lasting two weeks or more, coughing up blood, night sweats. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Tuberculosis (TB) be treated?
TB is cured with a standardised course of antibiotics taken daily for at least six months — stopping early breeds drug resistance, which is far harder to treat. Public health services support diagnosis, treatment and screening of household contacts. Good nutrition, ventilation and completing the full course are central to a cure.
When should I see a doctor about Tuberculosis (TB)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: cough lasting more than two weeks; coughing up blood; night sweats with weight loss; close contact with someone diagnosed with tb; tb symptoms in someone living with hiv.