How do you know if tb is active?

Active tuberculosis (TB) can be identified through a combination of clinical symptoms, diagnostic tests, and imaging studies. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Diagnostic tests such as a tuberculin skin test, interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs), and sputum cultures can confirm the presence of the bacteria. Chest X-rays or CT scans may also reveal lung damage associated with active TB.