Tuberculosis: Treatments

How is tuberculosis treated?

Treatment of tuberculosis begins with seeking regular medical care throughout your life. Regular medical care allows your health care professional to best evaluate your risk of becoming infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis) and developing the disease, and to promptly order screening and further diagnostic testing as needed. These measures greatly increase the chances of diagnosing and treating tuberculosis in its earliest and most curable stage.

Tuberculosis is treatable. Prompt diagnosis and treatment can reduce the risk of developing serious complications, such as meningitis. You can help cure tuberculosis and eliminate its transmission by consistently following the treatment plan designed by you and your health care professional.

Treatment of latent tuberculosis

People with latent tuberculosis have fewer of the M. tuberculosis bacteria in their bodies compared to people with active tuberculosis, so the treatment is easier. Treatment includes:

• Isoniazid (INH), which is a medication that needs to be taken for at least nine months to kill all of the latent M. tuberculosis bacteria in the body

• Rest and good nutrition including treating nutritional deficiencies

Treatment of active tuberculosis

People with active tuberculosis are treated with the following regimen:

• Combination of several antibiotic medications (isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide) for six to 12 months. Drug-resistant tuberculosis may require additional or different drugs.

• Direct observation of the patient taking the medication as directed, for individuals who are at risk of not adhering to their treatment plan

• Rest and good nutrition including treating nutritional deficiencies

What are the possible complications of tuberculosis?

Complications of untreated tuberculosis can be serious and life threatening. You can help minimize the risk of serious complications by following the treatment plan you and your health care professional design specifically for you.

Complications of tuberculosis include:

• Arthritis

• Disseminated tuberculosis (tuberculosis that has spread beyond the lungs to other organs)

• Lung and other organ damage

• Mediastinitis (inflammation inside the mid-chest area)

• Meningitis (infection and inflammation of the meninges, the membranes that cover the brain and spinal cord)

• Pleural effusion (a buildup of fluid around the lungs)

• Scrofula (tuberculosis infection of the lymph nodes)