Tuberculosis
When we talk about tuberculosis, a contagious bacterial infection that mostly attacks the lungs. Also known as TB, it’s caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a slow-growing bacterium that can survive inside the body for years without causing symptoms. This isn’t just a disease of the past—it’s still one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, especially in places with limited access to healthcare.
TB spreads through the air when someone with active lung TB coughs, sneezes, or talks. Not everyone infected gets sick—your immune system can lock the bacteria away for decades. But if it wakes up, it can destroy lung tissue, cause severe weight loss, night sweats, and a cough that won’t quit. The big worry today? antibiotic resistance, when TB strains stop responding to standard drugs like isoniazid and rifampin. Multi-drug resistant TB is harder to treat, takes longer, and costs more. That’s why knowing the right meds, following the full course, and getting tested early matters more than ever.
Most people think of TB as a lung problem, but it can spread to bones, kidneys, even the brain. Treatment usually means taking at least four antibiotics for six months or longer. Skipping doses or stopping early is the #1 reason TB comes back stronger. That’s why some clinics use directly observed therapy—where a nurse watches you take each pill. It sounds old-school, but it works.
The posts below cover real-world issues tied to TB: how to read drug labels safely when you’re on long-term antibiotics, how side effects like liver damage or mood changes show up, and how to tell if your treatment is working—or if you need to switch. You’ll find comparisons between common TB drugs, tips for sticking to a months-long regimen, and what to ask your doctor if things aren’t improving. This isn’t theory. These are the problems people face when they’re fighting TB every day.
How Air Pollution Fuels Tuberculosis: Risks, Research, and Prevention
Oct, 3 2025