Living with Tuberculosis
A bacterial infection that usually affects the lungs but can also affect the kidneys, spine, and brain.
Understanding Tuberculosis
Not everyone infected with TB bacteria becomes sick. There are two types: inactive (latent) TB infection, where the germs live in the body but don't make you sick, and TB disease (active TB), where you get sick. GARD says TB disease can almost always be cured with antibiotics when treated properly. It is found in the U.S. but is more common in certain other countries.
Signs & symptoms
GARD doesn't list specific symptoms for this condition yet.
Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.
Diagnosis
- 1Talk with your doctor
Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.
- 2See a specialist
Your doctor may refer you to a specialist who knows rare conditions.
- 3Ask which tests can help
Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.
Care & treatment
- Care team
- A doctor familiar with rare conditions, plus specialists as needed
- Expert care
- Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
- Treatment
- GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
- Research
- Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.
General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.
Everyday life
Living with a rare condition is easier with support.
- Connect with American Lung Association
- Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
- Ask about patient registries that help research
- Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Quick facts
TB is caused by TB bacteria (germs).
Also known as: infection caused by mycobacterium tuberculosis; tb - tuberculosis; tuberculosis disease; tuberculous
Patient organizations
- American Lung AssociationTuberculosis · United States
You are more than your diagnosis
Perspectives from people navigating life with Tuberculosis.
Explore research for Tuberculosis
Explore actively recruiting Tuberculosis studies with HealthSpark.
Find actively recruiting studies for Tuberculosis with HealthSpark. Share your city to explore research near you.
- Recruiting studies from ClinicalTrials.gov
- Share your city to look for research near you
- Eligibility is confirmed by the study team
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Powered by HealthSpark, our AI chat helper · Study information from ClinicalTrials.gov · Eligibility is confirmed by the study team.
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