Is Tuberculosis Contagious?

Tuberculosis, popularly known as 'TB' is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It mainly affects the lungs, but can also infect the central nervous system, the lymphatic system, the circulatory system, the genitourinary system, the gastrointestinal system, bones, joints, and in some rare cases, even the skin. It is airborne in its spreading mechanism. When a person with this disease, primarily in the lungs, coughs, sneezes, spits or talks, he/she releases tiny droplets of the bacteria into the air, thereby infecting the people around. People with a weak or compromised immune system are more susceptible to getting infected. The most common symptoms of TB include a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer (with or without blood or mucus), weight loss, fatigue, fever, etc. As it is airborne, common queries like whether this disease is contagious or not, plagues many minds.

There are primarily two types of TB: pulmonary and extra-pulmonary. The contagious factor depends upon the type one is affected with.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis Types: Contagious

Tuberculosis Pleurisy: This condition can develop in a very short time of catching the infection. This infection type leads to the rupture of granuloma into the pleural space. The pleural space is the space between the lungs and the chest wall. The rupture causes fluids to enter this space and compress the lungs. Shortness of breath and seizure-like chest pains, accompanied with a low-grade fever are common symptoms of tuberculosis pleurisy and it is contagious in nature.

Primary Tuberculosis Pneumonia: This is a rare form of highly contagious TB, and is almost like pneumonia in its presentation and symptoms. People with compromised or weak immune systems are more prone to getting infected with this disease. Young children, the elderly, and patients with immune-suppression infections like HIV/AIDs, etc., are more susceptible to it. The common symptoms include high fever and persistent cough (with or without blood).

Miliary Tuberculosis: This form occurs in a very short span of contracting the primary infection. It is not easily diagnosed and may need repetitive chest x-rays. The first physical sign of this condition is the appearance of tiny nodules throughout the lungs. Exhibited symptoms include high fever, sweat, gradual weight loss, persistent illness, and a general decline in health. Death may also occur in extreme cases. Children, the elderly, and patients with immune-suppression infections are more at risk for developing miliary tuberculosis.

Cavitary Tuberculosis: A highly contagious form of TB, the bacteria has the capacity to cause extensive damage to the upper lobes of the lungs by forming large cavities in it. This form also provides a highly oxygenated environment for the miliary tuberculosis bacteria to thrive in. The infection at times tends to spread into the pleural space as well, increasing complications for the infected person. Symptoms include chronic cough (with or without blood), night sweats, low-grade to high fever, gradual weight loss and fatigue.

Laryngeal Tuberculosis: This type is usually considered as a complication of pulmonary tuberculosis. Contagious and highly dangerous, there has been a surge in laryngeal form of TB in the last decade. The infection mainly affects the larynx and/or the vocal cord area. If left untreated, it can lead to permanent damage of the vocal cords and can render an infected patient speechless for life.

Extra-Pulmonary Tuberculosis Types: Non-Contagious

Osteal Tuberculosis: This form of TB affects the bones. Tissues are damaged or ruptured leading to fractures. This is non-contagious in nature.

Tuberculosis Meningitis: This form mainly affects people who have suffered either a stroke or a brain tumor. Though not contagious in nature, meningitis TB is fatal.

Adrenal Tuberculosis: This type infects the adrenal gland, which is responsible for hormone production. Imbalance of hormones in the body leads to various other health complications.

Lymph Node Disease: Enlargement of the lymph nodes is one of the most obvious symptoms of lymph node disease. The nodes after reaching a point tend to rupture through the skin.

Peritonitis Tuberculosis: This type infects the outer lining of the intestine, resulting in excessive collection of fluids in it. This causes the patient unbearable pain in the abdomen.

TB can be easily treated with various medications, some of which have proved to be highly effective. So to answer the query, is TB contagious, would be that some forms are, while some aren't. A persistent irritating cough is perhaps the most common symptom, and it is always best to have it checked out by a doctor. An early diagnosis and treatment will go a long way in curbing as well as curing TB.