Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis
(TB) is a serious infectious disease that mainly affects the lungs and it is
caused by bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis). The bacteria responsible for
tuberculosis is spread from one person to another through tiny droplets
released into the air via cough and sneeze. Tuberculosis can be fatal when it
is untreated. Untreated active disease typically affects the lungs, and it can
spread to other parts of the body through the blood stream. Complications of
tuberculosis include spinal pain, joint damage, swelling of the membranes that
cover the brain, liver or kidney problems and heart disorders. People diagnosed
with active TB disease generally have to take a combination of medications for
six to nine months. A significant number of TB patients develop post tubercular
airway disease or TB-associated COPD.