What it is
Active TB is cured with a course of several antibiotics taken for at least 6 months. Taking every dose is important to stop the bacteria becoming resistant.
Latent TB may be treated to stop it becoming active. The BCG vaccine is offered to some babies and children.
Common signs
- A cough lasting more than 3 weeks, sometimes with blood
- Night sweats
- A high temperature
- Losing weight without trying
- Tiredness
- Swollen glands
How it is usually diagnosed
- Chest X-ray
- Sputum tests
- Skin or blood tests for latent TB
- Sometimes a biopsy or other scans
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Chest X-ray reports
- Sputum and blood test results
- TB clinic letters
- Treatment records
- BCG vaccination records
Questions to ask your doctor
- Is it active or latent TB?
- How long will treatment last?
- Do my family or close contacts need testing?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Coughing up a lot of blood, severe breathlessness or chest pain: call 112
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.