Is tuberculosis infectious?

Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Only patients whose active phlegm contains tuberculosis bacteria are infectious. Many cases of tuberculosis are actually non-contagious. For example, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, such as lymph node tuberculosis, tuberculous pleurisy, and tuberculous meningitis, are not contagious. Pulmonary tuberculosis patients, whose phlegm contains tuberculosis bacteria, are contagious and need appropriate respiratory isolation and should begin anti-tuberculosis treatment as soon as possible. Through anti-tuberculosis treatment, contagious pulmonary tuberculosis can become non-contagious.

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Written by Han Shun Li
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How to maintain health after recovering from tuberculosis?

Now, tuberculosis is a curable disease. Therefore, after recovering from tuberculosis, the first step in maintenance is to stay calm and not to consider oneself as a patient anymore. After recovery, one's health status is the same as before, and it is crucial to maintain a healthy mental state. Additionally, one should have a regular lifestyle, balanced nutrition; avoid overwork and staying up late; avoid smoking and drinking; actively exercise and engage in outdoor activities to enhance the body's resistance and adaptability; with changes in weather, timely adjust clothing to avoid catching cold, and actively prevent colds and so on.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
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Can you eat onions during tuberculosis medication?

Patients with tuberculosis can normally eat onions during their medication period. It is beneficial to eat more vegetables and fruits to provide the body with ample vitamins and fiber. In addition to eating onions, there should also be a proper intake of high-quality proteins, such as chicken, duck, fish, lean meats, eggs, and soy products, as well as foods rich in carbohydrates and calories. Timely and standard anti-tuberculosis treatment is crucial; patients must take their medication regularly. Most patients can fully recover if the medication is taken on schedule. Irregular and untimely medication can lead to poor treatment outcomes.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai
Infectious Disease
39sec home-news-image

Is tuberculosis infectious?

Only patients whose active phlegm contains tuberculosis bacteria are infectious. Many cases of tuberculosis are actually non-contagious. For example, extrapulmonary tuberculosis, such as lymph node tuberculosis, tuberculous pleurisy, and tuberculous meningitis, are not contagious. Pulmonary tuberculosis patients, whose phlegm contains tuberculosis bacteria, are contagious and need appropriate respiratory isolation and should begin anti-tuberculosis treatment as soon as possible. Through anti-tuberculosis treatment, contagious pulmonary tuberculosis can become non-contagious.

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Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
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Is a shadow on the lung definitely tuberculosis?

Shadows in the lungs are primarily revealed through imaging studies, a characteristic feature found in radiology. Clinically, lung shadows can be caused by tuberculosis, various lung tumors, or inflammatory lesions, which are also detected via imaging studies. Hence, the causes of lung shadows are numerous and complex in clinical settings. Discovering a shadow on the lungs through X-ray does not necessarily indicate tuberculosis. A definitive diagnosis should be based on a detailed patient history, other relevant clinical manifestations, and additional diagnostic tests. While tuberculosis might be a likely cause of lung shadows, it is not the cause in every case.

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Written by An Yong Peng
Pulmonology
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Is pulmonary fibrosis always caused by tuberculosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis foci do not necessarily result from tuberculosis, although tuberculosis is a relatively common cause of such fibrosis. After tuberculosis is cured, pulmonary fibrosis foci may remain. However, in cases of general pulmonary inflammation, sometimes the lesion is not completely absorbed, which may also result in fibrosis. If the pulmonary fibrosis foci are a result of tuberculosis, there is a certain risk of recurrence. In such cases, measures should be taken to prevent recurrence, such as ensuring balanced nutrition and engaging in appropriate exercise to enhance one's resistance. These measures help prevent the recurrence of tuberculosis. Additionally, pulmonary fibrosis foci can also lead to changes in lung structure, making patients relatively more susceptible to respiratory infections. Therefore, for pulmonary fibrosis foci, it is also important to keep warm and prevent respiratory infections.