Active Tuberculosis and the Immune System
TB bacteria become active if the immune system can't stop them from growing. The active bacteria begin to multiply in the body and cause active
tuberculosis. The bacteria attack the body and destroy tissue. If this occurs in the lungs, the bacteria can actually create a hole in the lung.
Some people develop active tuberculosis soon after becoming infected, before their immune system can fight the TB bacteria. Other people may develop active tuberculosis later, when their immune system becomes weak for another reason.
Babies and young children often have weak immune systems. People infected with
HIV, the virus that causes
AIDS, also have very weak immune systems. Other people can have weak immune systems, too, especially people with any of these conditions:
Symptoms of Active Tuberculosis
Symptoms of active tuberculosis depend on where in the body the TB bacteria are growing. TB bacteria usually grow in the lungs. Active tuberculosis in the lungs may cause symptoms such as:
- A bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or longer
- Pain in the chest
- Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs).
Other active tuberculosis symptoms can include:
- Weakness or fatigue
- Weight loss
- No appetite
- Chills
- Fever
- Sweating at night.
Previous
Add this article to your Favorites
Email this article
Print