Does tuberculosis infect people?

Written by Han Jian Hua
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 07, 2024
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Tuberculosis is a contagious disease, and hearing the term "tuberculosis" inevitably makes people nervous. However, not all tuberculosis patients are contagious. Research shows that among tuberculosis patients, only those who have tuberculosis bacteria found in sputum smear tests are contagious. With a source of infection, the tuberculosis bacteria must be transmitted to others through certain routes. Airborne transmission is the main route of transmission for tuberculosis bacteria. When a tuberculosis patient coughs, sneezes, or speaks loudly, they release a large number of droplet nuclei containing tuberculosis bacteria into the air, which can be inhaled by healthy individuals and cause infection. The degree of tuberculosis bacteria infection mainly depends on factors such as the amount of bacteria the patient expels, the severity of coughing symptoms, and the extent of contact. Therefore, when there is a tuberculosis patient nearby, we first need to understand whether they are in the active phase of the disease, that is, expelling bacteria, and whether they are undergoing anti-tuberculosis chemotherapy. If the patient has a negative sputum test or has undergone chemotherapy for a positive sputum test, such patients have very low contagiousness, so there is no need to worry too much about being infected.

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Can tuberculosis be fatal?

Can tuberculosis be fatal? Of course, the answer is yes. Many diseases can lead to death, even a common cold can potentially result in death, let alone tuberculosis, which is an extraordinary illness. Currently, the mortality rate for tuberculosis patients is relatively low because the treatment for tuberculosis has improved significantly compared to the past. However, there are still a small number of patients who, due to untimely treatment of tuberculosis, discontinuation of medications on their own accord or non-compliance with medical advice, or who have other serious underlying diseases, may not tolerate the tuberculosis treatment. As a result, they could potentially die from adverse reactions to the tuberculosis medications.

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Does tuberculosis cause coughing at night?

Patients with tuberculosis often experience coughing at night, as well as in the early morning. Coughing and expectorating phlegm are common symptoms of tuberculosis. They are often accompanied by low-grade fever, night sweats, afternoon fever flush, weight loss, and blood in the sputum. In severe cases, symptoms can include chest tightness and difficulty breathing. Tuberculosis can be completely cured. Once it is confirmed as a tuberculosis infection, it is necessary to undergo scientific and reasonable anti-tuberculosis treatment, taking into account the actual circumstances.

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Can tuberculosis be cured?

Early diagnosis and standard treatment can often cure tuberculosis. Tuberculosis requires anti-tuberculosis treatment. Effective anti-tuberculosis treatment must follow five principles: early intervention, proper dosage, combination therapy, regular administration, and full-course treatment to ensure thorough treatment. Consistency is crucial; one must not stop taking medication, substitute drugs, or alter dosages on their own, as doing so not only makes it difficult to cure the disease but also increases the risk of developing drug resistance and complicates treatment further. Additionally, it is important to supplement nutrition appropriately and maintain a healthy diet in daily life. Since tuberculosis is a chronic, debilitating disease, it is advisable to consume foods rich in calories, proteins, and vitamins. Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is vital. Engaging in moderate physical activities, such as outdoor exercises, while avoiding strenuous activities and factors that could exacerbate conditions, such as overexertion, exposure to cold, and catching a cold, is also important.

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Does tuberculosis cause a runny nose?

Individuals with tuberculosis, if accompanied by a cold and rhinitis, will also experience a runny nose. However, simple tuberculosis, without any upper respiratory infections or rhinitis, does not lead to a runny nose. Therefore, it is important to accurately analyze the issue. Common symptoms of tuberculosis include persistent coughing, coughing up phlegm, low-grade fever, night sweats, bloody sputum, chest tightness, and difficulty breathing, among others. Once tuberculosis is definitively diagnosed, it is essential to commence timely and scientifically sound anti-tuberculosis treatments. Most cases can be completely cured.

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How long can someone with tuberculosis live?

Early detection and appropriate anti-tuberculosis treatment of tuberculosis can lead to a normal lifespan once cured. However, it is important to exercise regularly and enhance immunity, since tuberculosis may recur if the body's resistance decreases. With the increase of drug-resistant tuberculosis, treatment difficulties have intensified. If it is detected late or not treated properly and the lung damage progresses to an advanced stage, it can be life-threatening, with survival ranging from days to years. When tuberculosis involves massive hemoptysis, death can occur at any time due to suffocation or hemorrhagic shock, depending on the specific condition.