DEAR DR. GOTT: I am a 24-year-old student. Just recently I tested positive on a skin test for tuberculosis. I nearly fainted when I got the results back. After all, I’ve been healthy my entire life. I can pretty much say I thought I had a strong immune system. Well, nurses prescribed medication and told me after I completed my doses, I would have a 90% chance of never catching tuberculosis again.

Dr. Gott, would you please send me something educational on this condition and should I worry about getting it again?

DEAR READER: Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that commonly affects the lungs, although the kidneys, brain and spine can also be involved. When the disease occurs outside the lungs, the symptoms that present will vary according to the organ involved. [Read more...]