Tuberculosis is a serious disease of gigantic proportions. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates that one-third of the world’s population is infected. And the U.S. is not immune. Each year, more than 14,000 cases are reported here. And many more people may be infected and not even know it.

Tuberculosis, commonly known as TB, is a bacterial infection that first attacks the lungs and can spread to other parts of the body, including the brain and spine. If left untreated, it could potentially be fatal. However, most people who are infected with TB never actually develop the disease. Their body fights to keep the bacteria at bay, so they don’t get sick. Those infected with TB must still be treated, though. If they don’t, they may run the risk of developing the disease later.

Those who are infected with TB and have a weak immune system, including infants and older adults, are more apt to develop TB disease. Especially at risk are people with other immune-weakening conditions, such as alcoholism, diabetes, or HIV.

TB is caused by a germ that is spread from person to person through the air. When someone with TB disease sneezes or coughs, others around him or her can breathe in the bacteria. But thankfully, it is not as easy to catch as it sounds. For example, according to the National Institutes of Health, there is only a 50% chance of becoming infected if a person spends eight hours every day for six months with someone who has TB disease.

Both TB infection and TB disease can be cured with antibiotics. However, people with TB infection don’t experience any symptoms. There’s a simple skin test that can tell you if you are infected. Ask your doctor if you should be tested. Or call your doctor if you have possible symptoms of TB disease— which include:

• unexplained tiredness or weakness
• loss of appetite
• night sweats
• chills and fever
• cough that persists longer than two weeks
• coughing up blood or phlegm
• chest pain.

Baptist Imaging Center
For many diagnosed with tuberculosis, a diagnostic chest X-ray is needed. The new Baptist Imaging Center offers a new level of convenience for patients, providing quicker and easier X-ray, CT, MRI and other diagnostic services. The Baptist Imaging Center is located adjacent to Western Baptist Hospital, off 28th Street, and operates Monday through Friday, from 8 a.m. until 4:30 p.m., with walkins welcome. To learn more, phone (270) 415-7BIC (7242) or visit us on the Web at westernbaptist.com.