Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know Right Now

Got a cough that won't quit or unexplained weight loss and night sweats? Those can be signs of tuberculosis (TB). TB is a bacterial infection that most often affects the lungs, but it can hit other parts of the body too. The good news: with the right care, TB is treatable. The tricky part is spotting it early and finishing treatment.

Symptoms and how TB is diagnosed

Active TB usually shows up as a persistent cough (sometimes with blood), fever, night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss. Latent TB is different — you feel fine, but a test can show past exposure. Doctors use a few tests: a skin test (TST) or blood test (IGRA) for exposure, a chest X-ray for lung changes, and sputum tests. Sputum smear and culture check for live bacteria; molecular tests (NAAT) can find TB faster. Cultures can take weeks, so doctors often start treatment if tests and symptoms point to TB.

Treatment, drug names, and safety tips

Treatment for drug-susceptible TB usually combines four drugs at first: isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. After the first couple of months, the regimen usually narrows to two drugs. Latent TB can be treated too — common options include isoniazid for several months or shorter rifampin-based regimens. If TB is drug-resistant, treatment gets longer and uses different medicines, so you’ll need a specialist.

Finish every dose. Stopping early can cause relapse and drug resistance. Some patients take medication under directly observed therapy (DOT), where a provider watches you take pills — it really helps adherence. Watch for side effects: liver problems are the most important. Tell your clinician about unusual tiredness, dark urine, yellowing skin, or severe nausea. Isoniazid can cause numbness or tingling — B6 (pyridoxine) is often given to prevent that. Rifampin interacts with many drugs (like some birth control pills), so review all your meds with your provider.

If you’re diagnosed with active TB, public health will usually get involved. They’ll help with contact tracing, treatment monitoring, and advice on when it’s safe to be around others. Many people become noninfectious after a couple of weeks on effective therapy, but follow the official guidance before returning to work or school.

Simple prevention matters: good ventilation, covering coughs, and prompt testing for people with symptoms. In some countries the BCG vaccine is used for infants; it helps prevent severe TB in kids but doesn’t fully stop lung TB in adults. If you’re traveling to a high-TB area or live with someone with TB, ask your doctor about testing and possible preventive treatment.

If you suspect TB, don't wait. Call your healthcare provider, get tested, and follow treatment instructions closely. TB can be beaten, but only if you and your care team stick with the plan.