Tuberculosis disease
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[edit] Difference between Tuberculosis Disease and Tuberculosis Infection
Tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that is transmitted during coughing, sneezing, talking and singing. Many people are exposed to tuberculosis, yet not everyone develops the disease. However, it's important to know the difference between tuberculosis infection and tuberculosis disease.
Tuberculosis Disease
Persons infected with tuberculosis have a bacterium within their body called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The bacteria is active, therefore the person is contagious and may be experiencing signs and symptoms.
'Signs & Symptoms of Tuberculosis'
Some people may carry tuberculosis infection for many, many years before developing tuberculosis disease. Others may have a tuberculosis infection, yet never develop tuberculosis disease. Those persons who do develop tuberculosis disease, will experience signs and symptoms of tuberculosis.
It is believed that the strength of the immune system determines whether a tuberculosis infection develops into tuberculosis disease. People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS, are more susceptible to developing tuberculosis disease.
Unlike tuberculosis infection, tuberculosis disease is contagious. This is because the Mycobacterium that causes the disease is active. People infected with tuberculosis disease may experience any of the following signs and symptoms:
- Nausea / weakness / fatigue
- Rapid weight loss
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Hemoptysis
If you are experiencing any of the above signs and symptoms of tuberculosis, see your doctor immediately.
Tuberculosis Infection
Persons infected with a tuberculosis infection are NOT contagious because the Mycobacterium is inactive or latent (a.k.a LTBI). The person does not know he or she is sick because no tuberculosis symptoms are experienced.
If you believe you may have been exposed to tuberculosis, you should see your doctor for a [Mantoux / PPD Tuberculosis Skin Test].
Before you get tested, you should know what to expect. There are also some things you should be aware of before scheduling http://xstretchmarks.com/how-to-get-rid-of-stretch-marks/ the test. How the Mantoux / PPD Tuberculosis Test is Performed will tell you how to prepare for the TB test, how the TB test is performed, what the TB test results mean, and how the TB test results are interpreted.
