When most people think of tuberculosis, they think of the Pulmonary kind. This is the most common form of TB, but did you know that there are actually three different types? In this blog post, we'll be discussing the different types of TB and how they're diagnosed.

Pulmonary TB

This is the most common form of tuberculosis, and it occurs when the bacteria infects the lungs. The symptoms of pulmonary TB include coughing up blood, chest pain, and shortness of breath. If you have pulmonary TB, it's important to see a doctor right away as it is highly contagious.

Extra-pulmonary TB

This form of TB occurs when the bacteria infects parts of the body other than the lungs. Extra-pulmonary TB can occur in the lymph nodes, brain, spine, or kidneys. The symptoms depend on which part of the body is infected. For example, if the brain is infected, you may experience headaches or seizures. If the spine is infected, you may have back pain or paralysis. If you have any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor as soon as possible as extra-pulmonary TB can be just as contagious as pulmonary TB.

Microbiologically Diagnosed TB

This type of TB is diagnosed when a person tests positive for tuberculosis bacteria even though they do not have any symptoms. People who have latent TB are not contagious and cannot spread the disease to others. However, if latent TB is left untreated, it can progress to active TB. This is why it's important to get tested for tuberculosis if you think you may have been exposed to it.

Clinically Diagnosed TB

This type of TB is diagnosed when a person has symptoms suggestive of active tuberculosis but they test negative for tuberculosis bacteria. In cases like this, the diagnosis is made based on a combination of factors including clinical signs and symptoms, radiological findings, and response to treatment.

Conclusion:

As you can see, there are different types of tuberculosis with varying symptoms and modes of transmission. It's important to be aware of all the different types so that you can seek treatment early if necessary. If you think you may have been exposed to tuberculosis or are showing any symptoms, be sure to see a doctor right away for testing and treatment.