Medical History and Physical Exam for Tuberculosis (TB)Current as of: November 18, 2017 |
|
Medical History and Physical Exam for Tuberculosis (TB)Exam OverviewWhen you give your medical history, your doctor collects information about whether you are likely to have tuberculosis (TB), a bacterial infection. An active infection can spread to other people. A latent infection cannot spread to other people, but it can turn active and become contagious. Your doctor will ask whether you:
The physical exam looks for signs of TB. A doctor uses a stethoscope to listen to your breathing for sounds that indicate a problem in your lungs. The doctor also will look for signs of a TB infection in parts of the body other than your lungs ( extrapulmonary TB ). Why It Is DoneA medical history and physical exam may be done to check for TB if you have:
ResultsResults from the physical exam may include: Normal
Abnormal
What To Think AboutAlthough the medical history and physical exam can suggest you have active TB disease, finding TB-causing bacteria in the mucus from your lungs ( sputum ) provides proof. The medical history alone does not prove whether you have TB disease in parts of the body other than your lungs ( extrapulmonary TB ). Examining a sample of tissue from the affected area or organ ( biopsy ) for TB-causing bacteria is the only way to know for sure. Complete the medical test information form (PDF) (What is a PDF document?) to help you prepare for this test. Credits
ByHealthwise Staff Current as ofNovember 18, 2017 Current as of: November 18, 2017 |
Search the
Healthwise Knowledgebase Topic ContentsThis information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information. Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise.org. © 1995-2018 Healthwise, Incorporated. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. |