Tuberculosis or TB is a contagious infection that affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is transmitted from person to person through the air when people with active TB disease cough, sneeze or spit.

TB is a serious global health issue, and in 2019, 1.4 million people died from TB. It is curable and preventable, but early diagnosis is essential to prevent transmission of the disease and prevent complications from untreated infection.

What are the symptoms of TB?

TB infection can be latent, which means that the bacteria are present in the body but do not cause any symptoms. In this case, the person is not contagious and cannot transmit the infection to others.

However, some people with latent TB infection may develop active TB disease in the future if left untreated.

Active TB disease can cause a range of symptoms, depending on the part of the body that is affected.

The most common form of TB is pulmonary TB, which affects the lungs, and the symptoms can be similar to other respiratory infections, making it difficult to diagnose.

Cough

Cough is the most common symptom of pulmonary TB, and it can persist for several weeks. The cough can be dry or productive, and it is usually more severe in the morning. Coughing up blood or sputum is also a common symptom of TB.

Fever

Fever is another common symptom of TB, and it can be low-grade or high-grade. A fever that lasts for more than two weeks without any apparent cause should be investigated, especially if the person has other symptoms of TB.

Night sweats

Night sweats are another common symptom of TB, and they can be severe enough to soak the person’s clothes and sheets. They usually occur during the second half of the night and can disrupt sleep.

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Fatigue

Fatigue is a common symptom of many infections, including TB. It can be severe enough to affect the person’s ability to carry out daily activities.

Weight loss

Weight loss is a common symptom of TB, and it can be severe enough to be classified as wasting. The person may lose their appetite and have difficulty eating, leading to unintentional weight loss.

Chest pain

Chest pain is a common symptom of pulmonary TB, and it can be a sharp or dull pain that occurs when the person breathes deeply or coughs.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath can occur in pulmonary TB, especially if the infection is severe and affecting a large area of the lungs. The person may feel breathless even with minimal exertion.

Other symptoms of TB

Other symptoms of TB can include swollen lymph nodes, joint pain, and abdominal pain. TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the bones, kidneys, and brain, causing symptoms specific to those areas of the body.

When to seek medical attention

If you have any of the above symptoms and suspect you may have TB, it is essential to seek medical attention. TB can be diagnosed with a number of tests, including a chest X-ray, sputum test, and blood test.

Treatment involves a combination of medications taken for at least six months and supervised by a healthcare professional. Treatment is essential to cure the infection, prevent complications, and prevent transmission to others.

Prevention measures such as vaccination and infection control measures can also help to prevent TB transmission. It is important to be aware of the symptoms and seek medical attention promptly to prevent the spread of TB and ensure timely treatment.