Tuberculosis or TB as it is more popularly known, is an infectious disease that is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB primarily affects the lung (80%) but can also affect other parts of the body like lymph nodes, gastro intestinal tract, genito-urinary tract, coverings of the brain (called meninges), linings of the lungs(pleura), heart(pericardium), brain, bones, joints, skin, eyes and other organs. Only hair and nails are not affected by TB. Tuberculosis germ spreads through the air that we breathe.

Symptoms of TB

Cough for 3 weeks or more

Evening rise of temperature

Loss of appetite, loss of weight

Chest pain

Difficulty with breathing