The Warning Symptoms of Tuberculosis You Should Be Aware Of

ByAgkidzone Staff

Updated: Oct 1, 2024

Advertisement

Tuberculosis (TB) mainly affects the lungs and is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This infection spreads through the air when someone with active TB coughs or sneezes. Back in the day, TB was one of the leading causes of death worldwide. However, during the 20th century, advancements in medicine and the isolation of patients nearly wiped out the disease in the Western world. In 2017, around 9,000 people were diagnosed with TB, and the numbers keep dropping each year.

Nowadays, TB typically affects those with weakened immune systems. People who live or work in long-term care facilities, prisons, or healthcare settings are at a higher risk. Additionally, individuals who inject illegal drugs or have migrated from countries where TB is common are more susceptible.

A Persistent Cough

One of the most well-known symptoms of tuberculosis is a persistent cough. But let's be honest, a lingering cough isn't exclusive to TB. If you've had a cough that lasts longer than three weeks, it's time to get it checked out to rule out tuberculosis. Typically, TB causes a productive cough, meaning you cough up phlegm containing the bacteria. A lab can test this phlegm to see if the TB organism is present.

Advertisement

Coughing Up Blood

As Mycobacterium tuberculosis grows in the lungs, it forms hard nodules called tubercles that damage lung tissue. When the disease advances, these tubercles can erode blood vessels, leading to coughing up blood. If you're coughing up blood that doesn't seem to come from your mouth or throat, it's crucial to seek immediate medical attention.

Advertisement

Exhaustion

Feeling constantly exhausted or fatigued, especially along with other TB symptoms, could be a sign of tuberculosis. Many doctors believe that the chronic fatigue associated with TB comes from the immune system working overtime to fight off the bacteria and the spreading infection. So, if you're feeling wiped out for no apparent reason, it's worth considering.

Advertisement

Chest Pain

Chest pain can be a tricky symptom because it might indicate something minor or signal a heart problem. However, it can also be a sign of tuberculosis. When TB spreads to the space between the lungs and the chest lining—known as the pleural space—it can cause pleurisy. This condition is painful due to the nerve endings in the lining. People with pleurisy often experience difficulty breathing, fever, and sharp chest pains.

Advertisement

Loss of Appetite

An unexplained loss of appetite can be a red flag for various health issues, including tuberculosis. In fact, TB was once called "consumption" because patients would waste away due to lack of appetite. Recent studies show that about 45% of TB patients lose weight, and 26% experience anorexia or loss of appetite. Changes in hormones that regulate energy might explain why TB patients lose their appetite.

Advertisement

Weight Loss

Unexpected weight loss can go hand in hand with loss of appetite, but it can also occur independently. Research indicates that hormones involved in appetite regulation are altered in people with tuberculosis. Approximately two-thirds of TB patients experience significant weight loss. Besides decreased appetite, the body's energy expenditure to fight the infection may contribute to weight loss.

Advertisement

Night Sweats

Night sweats are associated with various conditions like menopause, cancers, autoimmune diseases, and infections such as tuberculosis. Sweating helps reduce the body's core temperature when it gets too high. In TB, the release of inflammatory substances in the blood can temporarily raise the body's temperature set point, leading to chills and sweating as the body tries to adjust.

Advertisement

Fevers

A low-grade fever is present in about 60-85% of active TB cases. It often develops in the late afternoon or evening and is more common in patients under 60. Interestingly, factors like a history of TB, limited lung lesions, and specific bacterial strains may be linked to the absence of fever. Therefore, not everyone with TB will experience a fever.

Advertisement

Chills

Chills involve intense muscle contractions as the body attempts to raise its core temperature. This defense mechanism kicks in when TB bacteria enter the bloodstream and the disease begins to spread. Chills are more likely to occur in people with weakened immune systems. If you're experiencing chills along with other symptoms, it's important to consult a doctor.

Advertisement

Symptomless Tuberculosis

Here's the kicker: in 90% of cases, tuberculosis is latent, meaning the patient shows no obvious signs of infection. TB can linger for years before any symptoms appear. Even if a person doesn't feel sick, they might still be contagious. If TB is identified by a doctor, treatment is necessary to prevent the disease from becoming active and spreading to others.

Advertisement

You May Also Like