Introduction
A cough that lasts for weeks may not seem alarming when it begins as a cold. But, when it occurs with unexplained weight loss, night sweats, fever, fatigue or chest pain then it’s time to get checked. These can all be warning signs of tuberculosis (TB). 1 Recognizing TB symptoms early can help you seek medical attention at the right time. If you know what signs to watch for and have a better understanding of the TB test process, you can take the next step with confidence.
Key Takeaways
- Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, and chest pain are common TB symptoms.
- A cough lasting three weeks or longer should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.
- TB can sometimes be present without symptoms in latent or inactive infection.
- TB blood and skin tests can help detect TB infection, while additional tests may determine if the disease is active.
- If you notice possible TB symptoms or have been exposed to TB, seek medical advice and get tested when recommended.
What Is Tuberculosis?
Tuberculosis is caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The lungs are the most common site of infection, due to which TB symptoms mainly involve the respiratory system. TB can also affect other organs like the lymph nodes, kidneys, bones, spine, brain, and vocal cords.
TB Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore
TB symptoms can develop over time and may resemble the symptoms of other respiratory infections or health conditions.
A Persistent Cough
A cough that lasts three weeks or more is one of the most common TB symptoms. The cough may bring up mucus or phlegm and may become bothersome. A persistent cough can also exist with diseases like asthma, bronchitis, allergies or other infections.
Coughing Up Blood or Phlegm
People who have pulmonary TB cough up sputum with blood. Never ignore this symptom. While it can be due to various reasons, a proper clinical evaluation is necessary for ascertaining the cause.
Chest Pain
Chest pain can occur if TB affects the lungs. Some people may experience pain while breathing or coughing. Chest pain has many reasons. But persistent chest pain needs medical attention, when it occurs with other TB symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, or weight loss.
Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without changing your diet or exercise routine can be a sign of health concern. Active TB is associated with unexplained weight loss and reduced appetite. If weight continues to drop without any reason and present with other TB symptoms, get them examined by a doctor.
Fever and Chills
Fever and chills are other common symptoms of active tuberculosis. Recurring fever accompanied by symptoms such as prolonged cough, night sweats, tiredness, or weight loss deserves further evaluation.
Night Sweats
Waking up at night with unexplained sweating with sweat soaked clothing or bedding can be another sign of active TB. Night sweats are not specific to tuberculosis and may occur for many other reasons. If they occur with other TB symptoms, they should not be dismissed.
Persistent Tiredness or Weakness
Feeling tired after a busy day is normal. Persistent fatigue or weakness that does not improve with rest is of concern. Active TB may cause weakness, fatigue, and a general feeling of being unwell.
Loss of Appetite
A reduced desire to eat is also a sign of active TB. When combined with unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, or night sweats, loss of appetite is more concerning. 2
Diagnostic Tests For TB Symptoms
If you experience three or more TB symptoms, consult your doctor and get tested. There are two main tests used to detect TB infection:
TB Blood Test
A TB blood test, also called an interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA), uses a blood sample to look for an immune response to proteins associated with TB bacteria. It is one of the standard methods used to detect TB infection.
TB Skin Test
The tuberculin skin test (TST) is also known as Mantoux test. It involves injecting a small amount of testing material under the skin. The injection site will be examined by a doctor after two to three days.
A positive TB blood test or skin test indicates that TB infection may be present. But, it does not indicate whether a person has inactive TB infection or active TB disease. Additional evaluation is needed.
What Happens If Your TB Test Results Are Positive?
If a TB infection test is positive, your doctor recommends additional tests to determine whether the infection is active.
- A physical examination
- Medical and exposure history
- A chest X-ray
- Examination or testing of sputum (phlegm)
A person with TB symptoms may need further evaluation if their initial TB blood or skin test is negative. Test results should always be interpreted with symptoms, exposure history, and other clinical information.
Why Should You Get Tested for TB?
Getting tested can be important when you have TB symptoms, exposed to someone with active TB, or have other factors that increase your risk of TB infection.
Some people with inactive TB infection show no symptoms. The bacteria can remain in the body without making a person feel sick. This is one reason TB screening may be recommended for people with certain exposure or risk factors, even when they feel healthy.
Final Takeaway
Tuberculosis does not start with obvious symptoms. It begins subtly with a persistent cough, fatigue, loss of appetite, night sweats, fever or unexplained weight loss. The key is not to self diagnose, or ignore persistent symptoms. If you experience any TB symptoms, especially a cough lasting more than three weeks, visit a doctor. A TB blood test or skin test will indicate having an infection, but other tests are necessary to know if the infection is active.
Learning what is causing your symptoms early allows you to take the appropriate next step for your health. Book your TB Test with LifeCell diagnostics to get checked if you have persistent symptoms.
FAQs
- What are the common TB symptoms?
Common symptoms of TB include persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood or sputum, fever, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, reduced appetite, weakness and fatigue.
- Is Every Persistent Cough a Sign of TB?
No. A persistent cough can have many causes, including infections, allergies, asthma, or other respiratory conditions.
- When Should You Get Tested for TB?
Get tested if you have symptoms such as a prolonged cough, fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, or coughing up blood. Testing is also recommended if you have been exposed to someone with active TB.
- How Is TB Diagnosed?
TB diagnosis involves a TB blood test or skin test to detect infection, followed by additional tests if needed.
- What Happens During a TB Test?
A TB blood test requires a blood sample, while a TB skin test involves a small injection under the skin that is checked after 48 to 72 hours.
- Where Can You Get Tested for TB?
TB testing is available at hospitals, clinics, diagnostic laboratories, and public health facilities.
