How soon can tuberculosis be detected

  After 4-8 weeks of TB infection, patients can obtain a definite diagnosis by chest X-ray, sputum examination for TB bacilli, and tuberculin test.  Tuberculosis is a lung infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Common symptoms include low fever, night sweats, general weakness, poor appetite, weight loss, and menstrual disorders. Diagnosis of TB requires chest plain film, chest CT, sputum for TB bacilli, blood sedimentation, fiberoptic bronchoscopy, etc. The diagnosis of TB can usually be confirmed in about 4-8 weeks. Tuberculosis is mainly treated with anti-tuberculosis drugs, and patients need to combine with nutritional support therapy, immunotherapy, surgical treatment and Chinese medicine treatment, following the principles of early, regular, full, combined and appropriate dosage.  Usually, it takes 6-9 months or even longer to cure tuberculosis, and patients should take rest and give adequate and balanced nutrition during treatment.