Tuberculosis is a serious infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs, though it can spread to other parts of the body. People often call it by its nickname, TB. The disease is caused by bacteria that spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, making it contagious like a cold or flu, but far more dangerous.

For most of human history, tuberculosis was one of the deadliest diseases in the world. In the 1800s and early 1900s, it killed millions of people, including many famous writers and artists. People called it consumption because it seemed to consume the body from within, causing victims to grow thin and weak while coughing severely. Entire hospitals called sanatoriums were built specifically to treat TB patients, who needed rest, fresh air, and good nutrition.

The discovery of antibiotics in the 1940s transformed tuberculosis from a death sentence into a disease that can be cured. Today, doctors can treat TB with a combination of medications taken over several months. However, the disease still affects millions worldwide, especially in places with limited access to medical care. Scientists continue working to develop better treatments and a more effective vaccine, because TB remains a serious global health challenge.