The number of tubercle bacilli increases and then invade the body's tissue. The macrophages are overwhelmed and cannot control the numerous tubercle bacilli , which can break into the lung tube wall, blood vessel, and beyond. Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes the infection. Symptoms include fatigue, irritability, lassitude, restless sleep, and weight loss. Fever, sweats, chilliness, vague indigestion, cold, clammy skin, irregular menstruating cycle, cough, production or blood streaks of sputum, hemorrhage, chest pain, wheezing, shortness of breath, or any pains related to the respiratory tree may accompany these symptoms.
Serious complications occur with the medications used to treat tuberculosis.
For example, Isoniazid and Rifampin have been linked with hepatitis . Tuberculosis is usually be detected through skin tests, chest x-rays, and lab tests. Although tuberculosis can affect anyone, those over the age of 25, suffer from malnutrition, or have weakened immune systems, such as an AIDS patient, are most vulnerable. Medicines such as Isoniazid, Rifampin, and Pyrazinamide have been shown to be effective. A vaccine BCG is used to prevent tuberculosis, but is not always effective.