Tuberculosis Facts What is TB?
TB, or tuberculosis, is a disease caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria can attack any part of your body, but they usually attack the lungs. What are the symptoms of TB disease? Symptoms of TB depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. TB bacteria usually grow in the lungs. TB in the lungs may cause • a bad cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks • pain in the chest • coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs) • weakness or fatigue • weight loss • no appetite • chills and fever • sweating at night How is TB spread? The bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease of the lungs coughs or sneezes. People nearby may breathe in these bacteria and become infected. People with TB disease are most likely to spread it to people they spend time with every day. This includes family members, friends, and coworkers. In most people who breathe in TB bacteria and become infected, the body is able to fight the bacteria to stop
