Symptoms of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the top 10 causes of death worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Although it is both preventable and curable, early diagnosis is crucial to prevent its spread and complications. The key to early detection lies in understanding the symptoms of tuberculosis.

What is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a potentially serious infectious disease primarily affecting the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

TB can be latent (inactive) or active. People with latent TB have the bacteria in their bodies but do not feel sick and cannot spread the disease. However, it can become active if not treated, especially in individuals with weakened immune systems.

Why Recognizing TB Symptoms Early Matters

Identifying the symptoms of tuberculosis early can lead to faster diagnosis and treatment, reducing the chances of severe health complications and transmission to others. Misdiagnosis or delay in treatment can result in the infection spreading to other organs, leading to extrapulmonary tuberculosis.

Common Symptoms of Pulmonary Tuberculosis (Lung TB)

Pulmonary TB is the most common form of tuberculosis, affecting the lungs. The typical symptoms include:

1. Persistent Cough :- A cough that lasts more than 3 weeks is one of the most common and early signs of TB. Initially, it may be dry but can progress to become productive (with sputum).
2. Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis) :- As the disease progresses, the patient may cough up blood or blood-stained mucus, indicating damage to the lung tissues.
3. Chest Pain :- TB patients often report chest pain that worsens with breathing or coughing. This can be due to inflammation in the lung linings or infected lymph nodes.
4.  Shortness of Breath :- As TB damages lung tissues, it can reduce lung capacity, leading to difficulty in breathing, especially during physical activity.

General Symptoms of Tuberculosis

These non-specific symptoms can occur in both pulmonary and extrapulmonary TB:

1. Fever and Chills :- Low-grade fever, often in the evening or at night, is a classic symptom. Chills may accompany the fever in more advanced stages.
2. Night Sweats :- Profuse sweating at night, enough to soak bedclothes, is a distinctive symptom of TB and should not be ignored.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss :- Significant and unintentional weight loss without changes in diet or exercise is a warning sign. TB increases metabolism due to inflammation.
4. Loss of Appetite :- TB patients often report a lack of desire to eat, which contributes to the overall weight loss.
5. Fatigue and Weakness :- Constant tiredness, even after rest, is common due to the body fighting off the chronic infection.

Symptoms of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

Extrapulmonary TB affects areas outside the lungs and can present with different symptoms depending on the organ involved:

TB Lymphadenitis (Lymph Nodes)

1. Swollen, painless lumps in the neck or armpits.

2. Nodes may eventually become tender or drain pus.

TB Meningitis (Brain and Spinal Cord)

1. Persistent headaches

2. Neck stiffness

3. Confusion or seizures

4. Sensitivity to light

Skeletal TB (Bones and Joints)

1. Back pain or stiffness (Pott’s disease)

2. Swollen joints, limited movement

Genitourinary TB (Kidneys, Bladder, Reproductive Organs)

1. Frequent urination

2. Blood in urine

3. Pelvic pain or infertility

TB Peritonitis (Abdomen)

1. Abdominal swelling

2. Pain

3. Digestive disturbances

Symptoms in Children with Tuberculosis

Children often exhibit different or atypical TB symptoms, including:

1. Delayed growth or weight gain

2. Persistent cough or wheezing

3. Irritability

4. Enlarged lymph nodes

Because children’s immune systems are still developing, they are more likely to develop severe forms of TB like TB meningitis.

Risk Factors for Developing TB Symptoms

People at higher risk of progressing from latent to active TB (and developing symptoms) include:

1. Individuals with HIV/AIDS

2. People with diabetes

3. Smokers

4. Malnourished individuals

5. Those undergoing immunosuppressive treatments

When to See a Doctor

You should consult a doctor if you:

1. Have a persistent cough for more than 2-3 weeks

2. Experience unexplained fever, weight loss, or night sweats

3. Are in close contact with someone diagnosed with TB

4. Live in or have traveled to TB-endemic regions

Diagnosis and Screening

If you’re showing symptoms, a doctor may perform:

1. Chest X-rays

2. Sputum tests for TB bacteria

3. Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test)

4. Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs)

5. CT scans or MRI for extrapulmonary TB

Early diagnosis is key to controlling the disease and preventing community spread.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis is a disease that speaks through symptoms. While many signs like cough or fatigue can be mistaken for common illnesses, when these symptoms persist or combine with others like weight loss and night sweats, it’s time to act.