The progression of TB can be divided into three stages:   - Latent TB infection (LTBI) - This is the earliest stage of TB, in which the person is infected with the TB bacteria, but does not have active TB disease. The person's immune system keeps the bacteria under control, and they do not have any symptoms or signs of the disease. A person with LTBI does not transmit TB to others. - Active TB disease - This is the stage at which the TB bacteria begin to multiply and cause symptoms. Symptoms of active TB can include a persistent cough, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. If left untreated, active TB can cause serious damage to the lungs and other organs and can be fatal. A person with active TB can spread the disease to others. - TB treatment and recovery - This is the stage at which the person receives treatment for TB disease. Treatment can take several months and it's important to take the medication as prescribed even if the symptoms get better. After completing the treatment, the person is considered to have recovered from TB, but they may have residual lung damage and they may need to be monitored for relapse.   For TB testing, come to Columbia Clinic Urgent Care. We serve patients from Tibbetts St Portland, Milwaukie OR, Oak Grove OR, Stark Street Portland, Fairview OR, Happy Valley OR, Gladstone OR, Cedar Mill OR, Tibbetts Street Portland OR, West Linn OR, Oregon City OR, and surrounding areas.