Tuberculosis (TB)

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is a serious global health concern, with millions of new cases reported each year.

Key features of tuberculosis include:

1. Transmission: TB is primarily spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing infectious droplets that can be inhaled by others. Close and prolonged contact with an infected individual is usually required for transmission.
2. Latent vs. Active TB: There are two main forms of TB infection: latent TB infection (LTBI) and active TB disease. In latent TB infection, the bacteria are present in the body but are inactive and do not cause symptoms. However, the bacteria can become active and cause illness later if the immune system weakens. Active TB disease occurs when the bacteria multiply and cause symptoms and clinical manifestations.
3. Symptoms: Symptoms of active TB disease can include persistent cough (often with blood-tinged sputum), chest pain, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, and shortness of breath. TB can also affect other organs and systems, leading to symptoms such as joint pain, abdominal pain, swelling of lymph nodes, and neurological symptoms in rare cases.
4. Diagnosis: Diagnosis of tuberculosis typically involves a combination of medical history, physical examination, tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA) to detect TB infection, chest X-ray or CT scan to assess lung abnormalities, sputum tests (such as smear microscopy and culture) to identify the presence of TB bacteria, and other tests as needed to evaluate organ involvement.
5. Treatment: Treatment for tuberculosis depends on the form of the infection (latent TB infection or active TB disease) and may involve a combination of antibiotics for an extended period (typically 6 to 9 months for active TB). The most common medications used to treat TB include isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol. Directly observed therapy (DOT) may be recommended to ensure medication adherence and treatment success.

Prevention of tuberculosis includes vaccination with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine in countries where it is recommended, infection control measures (such as proper ventilation and isolation of infectious individuals), prompt diagnosis and treatment of TB cases, and screening and treatment of latent TB infection in high-risk populations. Early detection and appropriate management of TB are crucial for reducing transmission, preventing complications, and improving outcomes for individuals with TB infection.

NOVA Pulmonary Critical Care and Sleep Associates is committed to providing excellent care in all aspects of Pulmonary Medicine and Sleep Disorders. With offices located in Lansdowne and Dulles/South Riding, we offer care for the entire Northern Virginia region, serving locations from Chantilly, Fairfax, Centreville, Manassas, Gainesville to Reston, Sterling, Leesburg, Ashburn, Brambleton, Purcellville and more.