Tuberculosis

Need to know

• Symptoms of tuberculosis icon plus

  Symptoms you may experience if you have TB include:

  • persistent coughing that also produces phlegm
  • high temperature/fever
  • night sweats
  • fatigue
  • loss of appetite/weight loss
  • swellings in the neck/glands

• Diagnosis icon plus

  Your consultant will discuss your symptoms with you and help to make a diagnosis. Tests we offer to diagnose tuberculosis include:

  • chest X-ray to examine any visible difference in your lungs
  • CT, MRI or ultrasound scan to assess other parts of the body that may be affected
  • urine and blood tests
  • samples of your phlegm or tissue in the affected area
  • inspection of your lungs with an endoscope (long, thin tube with a camera on the end)
  • Mantoux test where a substance called PPD tuberculin is inserted into your forearm

• Potential treatment options icon plus

  In most cases, TB can be treated with a strong course of antibiotics. However depending on the type of TB there are different medications and treatment options available. Antibiotics for pulmonary TB are taken over a six month period. This is the same for extrapulmonary TB, though you may also be prescribed a corticosteroid injection for the first few weeks. This is to help reduce swelling. For latent TB in older patients, your consultant may prescribe a combination of antibiotics for three months. This is because too strong a course of antibiotics may cause liver damage.