Tuberculosis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Tuberculosis is also called TB. It is an infection that starts in the lungs and may spread to other parts of the body. The lungs are two hollow organs in your chest. TB is caused by a germ called Mycobacteria tuberculosis. These germs are spread in the air from person to person by coughing or sneezing. Symptoms include coughing for more than three weeks, blood in the sputum (phlegm), or chest pain with breathing. You may also have shortness of breath, no appetite, unexplained weight loss, low-grade fever, and night sweats.
  
  
• It is called a latent TB infection if you have TB without symptoms. If you have symptoms, the disease is called active TB. Whether you have latent or active TB, it needs to be treated with medicines for 6 to 12 months or longer. If TB is not treated completely, it can damage your lungs and other parts of the body. The only cure for TB is to take all your medicines as directed by your caregiver.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Take your medicine as directed:

Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him if you are allergic to any medicine. Keep a current list of the medicines, vitamins, and herbs you take. Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists.

• You must complete treatment until you are cured of TB, even if you do not feel sick.
  
  
• It is very important that you take your TB medicines exactly as your caregiver tells you. If you skip or stop your pills, not all the TB germs will be killed. You will always have TB germs in your body unless you correctly take all your medicines.
  
  
• Your caregiver must report all TB cases to the health department. This helps protect others from getting TB. It also helps you get the care you need to cure TB.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

• You need to have regular follow-up to make sure the medicine is working. It is very important that you keep all your appointments. Tell caregivers if you are not feeling well or if you think the medicines are not working. You may have any of the following at your follow-up visits:
  
  
  • Your weight, temperature, and lungs will be checked.
    
    
  • A chest x-ray may be taken to see how your lungs are healing.
    
    
  • You may be asked for a sputum (phlegm) sample. It will be tested to see if you are coughing up any TB germs and whether the pills are working.
  
  

How can I keep from spreading TB?

To keep from spreading TB, it is very important that you do the following:

• The most important way to keep from spreading TB is to take all your medicines exactly as your caregivers told you.
  
  
• Keep all of your follow-up appointments. Your caregivers need to see how you are doing.
  
  
• If you are sick enough with active TB, go to a hospital
  
  
• Avoid close contact with others, especially babies and elderly people.
  
  
• Always cover your mouth and nose with a paper tissue when you cough or sneeze. Throw the used tissue away. If possible, flush used tissues down a toilet.
  
  
• Always wash your hands with soap and water after you cough or sneeze.
  
  
• Family members, close friends, and co-workers should have a TB skin test. They may have gotten the TB germ without being sick. To keep these contact from getting TB, they may need to take medicines.

Wellness hints:

• You may feel like resting more. Slowly start to do more each day. Rest when you feel it is needed.
  
  
• Eat healthy foods from all of the five food groups: fruits, vegetables, breads, dairy products, meat, and fish. Eating healthy foods may help you feel better and have more energy. It may also help you heal faster.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have any problems that may be caused by the medicines you are taking. Tell your caregiver if you have a skin rash, nausea, vomiting, or your eyes or skin are yellow. Call your caregiver if your urine looks like dark tea or coffee.
  
  
• Your TB symptoms do not go away or get worse, even if you are taking your TB medicines.
  
  
• Anyone who spent time near you gets symptoms of TB. Symptoms include fever, not wanting to eat, losing weight, night sweats, or cough. These people will need to be tested for TB.
  
  
• You have a cough that does not go away after 3 or 4 weeks following a cold.
  
  
• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have questions about your condition and your medicines.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have chest pain or cough up blood.
  
  
• You have trouble breathing.
  
  
• You have a fever, headache, and a stiff neck.

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Tuberculosis (Aftercare Instructions)