Tuberculosis (TB): Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment
A clear guide to tuberculosis, covering warning signs, diagnosis and the complete course of treatment needed for a full cure.
Treatment usually begins with
Clinical Assessment
Sputum & Chest X-ray
Antitubercular Therapy
Treatment Monitoring
TB is fully curable with a complete course of antitubercular medication taken as prescribed.
You may need this evaluated if...
A TB evaluation is recommended when these signs appear:
- Cough lasting more than two weeks
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats and low-grade fever
- Coughing up blood
Tuberculosis is fully curable when diagnosed early and the complete treatment course is followed.
What is Tuberculosis (TB)?
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that most commonly affects the lungs, causing a persistent cough, weight loss and fever, and is fully curable with complete treatment.
Fully Curable
A complete course of medication cures the vast majority of cases.
Spreads Through Air
Spread by airborne droplets from an infected person's cough.
Confirmed by Testing
Sputum tests and chest X-ray confirm the diagnosis.
Needs Complete Treatment
Stopping medication early can lead to drug-resistant TB.
Common Symptoms
- Cough lasting more than two weeks
- Coughing up blood or mucus
- Unexplained weight loss
- Night sweats
- Low-grade fever
- Fatigue
What Increases Your Risk
A combination of medical, lifestyle and hereditary factors can increase the likelihood of this condition.
How It Is Diagnosed
A structured assessment confirms the diagnosis and helps guide the right treatment plan.
1. Clinical assessment
Reviewing symptom duration and possible exposure.
2. Sputum test
Identifies TB bacteria in a mucus sample.
3. Chest X-ray
Confirms lung involvement and its extent.
Treatment Approaches
Medical Care
- Complete Antitubercular Therapy Course
- Regular Treatment Monitoring
- Nutritional Support
- Contact Screening for Family Members
Surgical Care
Surgery is rarely needed and reserved for specific complications, decided after full evaluation by the treating specialist.
Treatment decisions are based on symptoms, test results, timing and overall health, not a single test.
Know When to Act
Recognising these signs early and acting promptly is important for the best outcome.
Book an Assessment
Schedule a consultation for a routine evaluation or ongoing symptoms.
- You have a mild, short-term cough
- You want a TB screening test after exposure
- You want guidance on completing your treatment course
Seek Urgent Care
Call for emergency care immediately if you notice any of the following.
- Coughing up significant blood occurs
- Severe breathlessness or chest pain develops
- You have missed doses and symptoms are returning
Not Sure What You Need?
Speak to a Care Guide and we'll help you choose the right physician.
Talk to Care GuideA care guide can match your condition to the right specialist.
Share your concern or existing reports. We will help you choose the right hospital, doctor and appointment.
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