US Medical Term · conditions
Tuberculosis (TB)
Tuberculosis (TB)
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Tuberculosis (TB) |
| Spanish (Español) | Tuberculosis (TB) |
| Chinese (中文) | 結核病 |
| Korean (한국어) | 결핵 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Lao phổi |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Tuberkulosis (TB) |
| Portuguese (Português) | Tuberculose (TB) |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | วัณโรค |
| Japanese (日本語) | 結核 |
What it means
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. Active TB causes symptoms such as a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, coughing up blood, night sweats, weight loss, and fever. Latent TB infection has no symptoms and is not contagious, but it can become active. Treatment requires a combination of antibiotics taken for at least six months. Completing the full course is critical to prevent drug-resistant TB. Testing and early treatment protect individuals and the community.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
I was told I have latent tuberculosis and want to understand my treatment options.
Me dijeron que tengo tuberculosis latente y quiero entender mis opciones de tratamiento.
How long will I need to take the antibiotics for tuberculosis?
¿Cuánto tiempo necesitaré tomar los antibióticos para la tuberculosis?
Do my family members need to be tested for tuberculosis since I have been diagnosed?
¿Mis familiares necesitan hacerse la prueba de tuberculosis ya que a mí me diagnosticaron?
Where you'll see it
Related ICD-10-CM category
A15 Respiratory tuberculosisRelated terms
Sources
Last reviewed: September 2026