Respiratory tuberculosis
Respiratory tuberculosis is a curable bacterial infection of the lungs that spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
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Respiratory tuberculosis, often just called TB, is a serious but completely treatable infection in your lungs and airways. It is caused by a tiny, very tough germ called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. When someone with active TB in their lungs coughs, sneezes, or talks, they release these microscopic germs into the air, and someone else nearby can breathe them in.
Once inside, the bacteria travel down into the tiny air sacs of your lungs. Your body's defense system, the immune system, usually fights hard to build a protective wall around the germs to keep them sleeping and harmless. However, if your immune system is weak, the germs can break free and start multiplying, which damages your lung tissue and makes you feel very sick.
Common Symptoms
- A deep, heavy cough that lasts for three weeks or longer.
- Coughing up mucus or phlegm that contains bright red blood, a sign called hemoptysis.
- A constant, dull pain or tightness in your chest.
- Drenching night sweats that soak through your clothes and bedsheets while you sleep.
- An unexplained fever and cold chills that tend to worsen in the afternoon or evening.
- Feeling extremely tired and exhausted, even after getting plenty of sleep.
- Losing weight rapidly and losing your appetite without trying.