TB Disease: Can It Damage Organs Beyond the Lungs?

A graphic of  a tuberculosis-affected patient marked with symptoms

A dangerous infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can potentially spread to other regions of the body is tuberculosis. It is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. If you fully understand its symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention methods, you can effectively combat it. It often begins with common problems such as fatigue, weight loss, and colds, which is why it is important to detect it early. Through this article, you will be able to learn about tuberculosis in detail. If you want to know if you or someone in your family is affected by it, this article will help you.

Tuberculosis – Summary Table

Category	Key Information
Cause	Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mainly spread through coughing or sneezing.
Common Symptoms	Persistent cough, fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, chills, and appetite loss.
Major Types	Pulmonary TB (lungs), Extrapulmonary TB (brain, bones, kidneys, lymph nodes, etc.).
Spread	Airborne transmission through droplets spreads quickly in crowded or unsanitary conditions.
Diagnosis	Mantoux test, chest X-ray, sputum test, blood test (GeneXpert), and sometimes biopsy.
Treatment	6–9 months of prescribed TB medication; the DOTS program offers free treatment.
Prevention	BCG vaccine, mask usage, ventilation, personal hygiene, and avoiding contact with active TB cases.
Global Impact	Affects over 10 million people yearly; highest burden in India, Africa, and Southeast Asia.
Indian Scenario	India accounts for 27% of the TB burden; it mostly affects men aged 18–45 in low-income groups.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. It is spread from one person to another through small droplets in the air.

• The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis is the primary cause of it.

• It initially targets the lungs but, over time, spreads to other parts of the body.

• It is usually spread through coughing and sneezing.

• It may go undetected in up to half of the population.

• It is more common in poor and crowded areas.

What are the Signs of TB Infection?

The disease begins with mild symptoms in the early stages. If you recognize these symptoms and consult a doctor early, you can reduce your risk.

• A cough that persists for longer than three weeks could be a sign of tuberculosis.

• If you have excessive night sweats, this can be an important sign.

• Additionally, you can be underweight and have lost your appetite.

• You should be careful if you feel tired and have chills.

• Swelling, back pain, or kidney problems can also occur if these areas are affected.

X-ray of lungs showing damage due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

What are the Types of Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis can occur in different forms depending on which part of the body is affected, and understanding these types is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment.

1. Pulmonary TB

• This is a type of tuberculosis that affects the lungs.

• Symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, and bloody sputum.

• This is the most common type of tuberculosis.

2. Extrapulmonary TB

• This affects other organs outside the lungs.

• Symptoms include seizures, back pain, and kidney problems.

• It is more common in people with weakened immune systems.

It is divided into the following subtypes:

• Lymph Node TB: It is characterized by swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck and groin.

• Pleural TB: It has an impact on the pleural membrane that envelops the lungs.

• Bone TB: Affects bones such as the spine and wrists.

• Meningeal TB: Affects the meninges surrounding the brain—this is dangerous.

• Genitourinary TB: Affects the kidneys, bladder, uterus, and ovaries.

• Gastrointestinal TB: Affects the intestines.

Types of Tuberculosis – A Quick Summary

Type of TB	Organ Affected, Symptoms, & Treatment
Pulmonary TB	Affects lungs; causes persistent cough, chest pain, and bloody sputum. Treated with 6–9 months of antibiotics.
Extrapulmonary TB	Occurs outside the lungs; includes several subtypes. Treatment is similar to pulmonary TB but may require a longer duration.
Lymph Node TB	Affects lymph nodes (neck/groin); causes swelling. Usually painless; treated with standard anti-TB drugs.
Pleural TB	Affects the lung lining (pleura); symptoms include chest pain and fluid buildup. Requires anti-TB meds, sometimes drainage.
Bone TB	Targets bones and spine; symptoms include back pain, stiffness. Treated over a longer duration, sometimes with surgery.
Meningeal TB	Affects the brain lining (meninges); symptoms: headache, seizures. Dangerous—requires hospitalization and longer treatment.
Genitourinary TB	Affects kidneys, bladder, uterus, etc.; causes pelvic/back pain, urinary issues. Needs early diagnosis and full course.
Gastrointestinal TB	Affects the intestines; symptoms include abdominal pain, diarrhea. Often misdiagnosed—treated with full anti-TB course.

How is tuberculosis spread?

The disease is mainly spread by airborne germs. Preventing its spread is somewhat difficult, but possible.

• When a person with the bacteria coughs, the germs are released into the air in the sneeze.

• If people nearby breathe in that air, they too can get tuberculosis.

• It spreads quickly, especially in unsanitary living conditions.

• It affects people with weakened immune systems more quickly.

• Young children and the elderly are more susceptible to this disease.

How is TB diagnosed?

Early detection of this disease plays a key role in the effective implementation of treatment. Medical tests help in detecting it.

• The Mantoux test, or TB skin test, is used to make the initial diagnosis.

• The condition of the lungs can be assessed through a chest X-ray.

• The presence of bacteria can be found out through a sputum test.

• Blood tests can also help, especially GeneExpert, which gives clear results.

• In some cases, a biopsy is also required.

Mycobacterium tuberculosis—rod-shaped bacteria that cause tuberculosis in humans

How is TB treated?

Tuberculosis is possible. For this, special MTB drugs are used. It can be completely cured if the drugs are taken regularly as prescribed by the doctor.

• Free treatment is available through the government program called DOTS.

• Typically, the course of TB treatment lasts six to nine months.

• The drugs should not be stopped midway; otherwise, the bacteria will become resistant.

• Drugs like isoniazid, rifampin, and pyrazinamide are used.

• In some cases, second-line drugs are needed.

How to Prevent TB Infection?

If you want to prevent this disease, there are some important precautions you can take. Personal hygiene is very important to reduce its spread.

• When going out, those with TB should wear masks.

• Keep the bedroom well ventilated.

• People with a cough should stay away from others.

• Don't spend too much time with TB patients.

• It is advisable to get the BCG vaccine in childhood.

Sanitoriums

Top Sanatoriums to Treat Tuberculosis Worldwide

Sanatorium (Established Year)	Location
Madanapalle TB Sanatorium (1912)	Madanapalle, Andhra Pradesh, India
Saranac Lake Sanatorium (1884)	Saranac Lake, New York, USA
Göbersdorf Sanatorium (1855)	Sokołowsko, Lower Silesia, Poland
Valley View Sanatorium (1910)	Mount Vernon, Kentucky, USA
Goroka TB Hospital Ward (1960s)	Goroka, Eastern Highlands, Papua New Guinea
Firland Sanatorium (1911)	Seattle, Washington, USA
Karigiri Hospital (1955)	Karigiri, Tamil Nadu, India
Beelitz-Heilstätten (1898)	Beelitz, Brandenburg, Germany
Tama Medical Center (1980s)	Fuchu, Tokyo, Japan
King George Hospital TB Unit (1943)	Visakhapatnam, Andhra Pradesh, India

What are the TB-Affected Countries?

Tuberculosis is a major global health challenge. It is the primary cause of infectious disease-related deaths globally. TB cases are reported in almost all countries.

• According to the World Health Organization (WHO), more than 10 million people are diagnosed with TB every year.

• There were almost 13 million new cases of tuberculosis in 2023.

• TB is particularly prevalent in Africa, South Asia, and South America.

• Only eight countries—India, Indonesia, China, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo—reported around 66% of these instances.

• India alone accounts for about 27% of the global TB burden.

• TB mortality rates are very high in Africa, especially due to co-morbidities (HIV).

• Although TB cases are low in developed countries such as the United States and Europe, there are signs of a resurgence in some areas due to immigrants.

• TB kills about 1.5 million people worldwide each year.

• Men, adults (15–49 years), and the economically weaker sections are mainly affected.

Which is the Largest TB-affected country?

One of the most common infectious diseases in India is tuberculosis. Its impact varies by economic status, age, gender, and geographical area.

• India has one of the highest TB cases in the world.

• It mostly affects the poor and rural population.

• The majority of cases occur in young persons between the ages of 18 and 45.

• TB cases are more common in men than in women.

• People with comorbidities such as malnutrition, smoking, alcoholism, and AIDS are more likely to develop TB.

• Groups such as migrants, the homeless, and those in prison are at higher risk.

• Disadvantaged communities and indigenous peoples are particularly vulnerable to the disease.

Based on these statistics, TB is not just a health problem but also a socio-economic problem. Its prevention requires a concerted global effort.

Top 10 Countries Most Affected by Tuberculosis

Country (% of Global TB Cases)	Estimated Number of Patients
India (27%)	~2.7 million
Indonesia (10%)	~1 million
China (7.4%)	~780,000
Philippines (7%)	~760,000
Pakistan (5.7%)	~620,000
Nigeria (4.4%)	~480,000
Bangladesh (3.6%)	~400,000
Democratic Republic of the Congo (3%)	~340,000
Mozambique (2.3%)	~260,000
South Africa (2%)	~230,000

FAQs – Answers to your questions

Q1. What is tuberculosis, and how is it spread?
Tuberculosis is a respiratory disease spread by bacteria. It is mainly spread through the air through coughing and sneezing. It spreads to others who breathe the same air. Those with weakened immune systems are primarily affected.

Q2. Can it be cured completely?
Yes. Tuberculosis is a completely curable disease with medication. If the medication is taken regularly, it can be cured completely. But the medication should not be stopped midway.

Q3. What precautions should a TB patient take in daily life?
A TB patient should wear a mask, avoid spending too much time with others, take their medication without forgetting, maintain hygiene, and follow the doctor's instructions.

Q4. How long is the treatment period for TB?
It usually lasts from 6 to 9 months. In some severe cases, long-term medication is required.

Q5. Can the disease recur?
If the medication is not taken completely or the immune system is weak, TB can recur. That is why the treatment should be completed.

Visual representation of how tuberculosis affects the human lungs and respiratory system.

Conclusion

Although tuberculosis is a fatal disease, it is also considered a completely curable disease. If you recognize its symptoms early and consult a doctor, you can protect yourself from it. Although it is a little difficult to prevent its spread, it can be prevented with proper information, medical supervision, and personal precautions. You can overcome it with the free treatment schemes offered by the government. If you want to live a healthy life, do not ignore this disease. Being aware of it is not only beneficial for you but also for society. From now on, you will be fully aware of it and will be able to maintain your health.

Online Courses, Reference Books, & Websites

Category	Resources
Online Courses	Coursera – Tuberculosis: An Old Disease with New Challenges WHO OpenWHO.org – TB Online Training Series edX – Infectious Diseases & Global Health
Reference Books	Clinical Tuberculosis by P.D.O. Davies Tuberculosis: Pathogenesis, Protection, and Control by Barry R. Bloom Textbook of Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine by SK Jindal
Websites	World Health Organization – TB Section CDC – Tuberculosis TB Facts – Simple, Accurate TB Information

Note to readers: This article is intended for awareness purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your doctor or a qualified healthcare professional with any questions regarding a medical condition or your personal health.