What are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB) Disease?
July 8, 2023 | by Yashaswi Pathakamuri | Posted in FAQ's
Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, bones, and brain. The symptoms of TB can vary depending on the location and severity of the infection.
Here are the common symptoms of TB disease:
- Persistent cough
- Chest pain
- Fatigue and weakness
- Unintentional weight loss
- Fever and night sweats
- Loss of appetite.
- Shortness of breath
- Swollen lymph nodes
Other symptoms: TB can also present with symptoms specific to the affected organs. For example, if TB affects the kidneys, symptoms may include blood in the urine or pain in the lower back. If it affects the bones, joint pain and swelling may occur.
It’s important to note that not everyone infected with Mycobacterium tuberculosis will develop active TB disease or experience symptoms. Some individuals may have latent TB infection, where the bacteria remain dormant in the body without causing symptoms. However, they can develop active TB disease in the future if their immune system becomes weakened.
If you experience persistent symptoms or suspect you may have TB, it is crucial to seek medical attention for diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and to prevent the spread of the disease to others.