The Signs & Symptoms of Tuberculosis

According to the Mayo Clinic, tuberculosis is an immune system disorder that causes a person to become very ill with several symptoms such as weight loss, chills and loss of appetite. This condition is caused by a bacteria called mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis attacks the lungs, but TB can also affect other parts of the body such as the kidneys. The condition most often affects elderly people, though all age groups can contract the disease. TB is contagious, but you are more likely to catch TB from a close co-worker or family member than from a stranger.

Night Sweats

• According to the Mayo Clinic, one major sign of tuberculosis is night sweats. Sweating at night is one way the body copes with an illness. Night sweats can begin with a fever and eventually lead to profuse perspiration followed by the chills.

Fatigue

• The Centers for Disease Control say fatigue and weakness are two signs of tuberculosis. The disease affects the entire body, causing a person to feel worn-out and tired. A person suffering with TB will sleep more often and may feel light-headed. It can be hard to work or function in daily life if you have TB.

Coughing up Blood

• Another symptom of tuberculosis, according to the Mayo Clinic, is coughing up blood. Constant coughing from the TB infection causing irritation in the lungs, which eventually leads to coughing up blood. A person will also suffer with chest pain from coughing and just normal breathing. If you have any of these symptoms, see a doctor right away.