Tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, and brain. TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. In this answer, we will discuss the symptoms of TB and how they can be differentiated from other respiratory infections.
Symptoms of TB:
The symptoms of TB can be divided into two categories: primary and secondary. Primary TB occurs when a person is initially infected with the bacteria, and secondary TB occurs when the bacteria become active again after a period of inactivity.
Primary TB:
Most people who are infected with TB do not have any symptoms because the bacteria are in a dormant state. However, in some cases, the following symptoms may occur:
Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for more than three weeks is a common symptom of TB. The cough may produce phlegm or blood.
Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest can occur due to inflammation of the lungs or the lining of the chest cavity.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak can be a symptom of TB, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Fever: A low-grade fever (less than 101°F or 38.3°C) may occur in some people with TB.
Night sweats: Sweating at night, especially to the point of soaking through clothes or sheets, is a common symptom of TB.
Secondary TB:
If the bacteria become active again, the following symptoms may occur:
Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for more than three weeks is a common symptom of active TB. The cough may produce phlegm or blood.
Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest can occur due to inflammation of the lungs or the lining of the chest cavity.
Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak can be a symptom of active TB, especially if it is accompanied by other symptoms.
Fever: A low-grade fever (less than 101°F or 38.3°C) may occur in some people with active TB.
Night sweats: Sweating at night, especially to the point of soaking through clothes or sheets, is a common symptom of active TB.
Loss of appetite: A loss of appetite can occur due to the infection or the medication used to treat it.
Weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of active TB.
Shortness of breath: Difficulty breathing can occur due to inflammation of the lungs or the presence of fluid in the lungs.
Differentiating TB from other respiratory infections:
The symptoms of TB can be similar to those of other respiratory infections, such as the flu or a cold. However, there are some key differences that can help differentiate TB from other respiratory infections:
Duration of symptoms: The symptoms of TB, especially the cough, chest pain, and fatigue, tend to last for more than three weeks. In contrast, the symptoms of the flu or a cold usually last for a few days to a week.
Severity of symptoms: The symptoms of TB, especially the cough and shortness of breath, can be more severe than those of the flu or a cold.
Night sweats: Sweating at night, especially to the point of soaking through clothes or sheets, is a common symptom of TB but is not usually seen in other respiratory infections.
Weight loss: Losing weight without trying can be a symptom of TB but is not usually seen in other respiratory infections.
Age and risk factors: TB is more common in older adults and people with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV or diabetes. If a person has any of these risk factors, TB should be considered as a possible cause of their symptoms.
Travel history: TB is more common in some parts of the world than others. If a person has traveled to a country where TB is common, they should be evaluated for TB if they develop respiratory symptoms.
Conclusion:
TB is a serious bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. The symptoms of TB can be similar to those of other respiratory infections, but there are some key differences that can help differentiate TB from other respiratory infections. If a person has symptoms of TB, they should seek medical attention promptly to receive a diagnosis and appropriate treatment.
