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Signs & Symptoms of TB Disease

TB, or tuberculosis, is a serious, contagious disease. According to the Mayo Clinic, about 2 million people worldwide are killed by this disease. You can become infected with TB by breathing in the airborne bacteria. If you suspect you have TB, see your doctor promptly. Medications can often resolve TB disease.

  1. Common Symptoms

    • One form of TB, called latent TB, does not produce any symptoms because the bacteria are inactive. This form of the disease is not contagious. According to the Mayo Clinic, if you have active tuberculosis, you may experience symptoms such as a fever with chills. You may lose your appetite and have weight loss. TB can also cause night sweats and fatigue. If you experience any of these symptoms, see your doctor for treatment.

    Symptoms of the Lungs

    • When TB attacks your lungs, you'll notice additional symptoms. The Mayo Clinic warns that you may begin coughing up blood. Your coughing may last three weeks or longer. It may produce phlegm. And you may notice chest pain, or experience pain with coughing or when you breathe. When you breathe, you may also have wheezing.

    Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis

    • Tuberculosis can affect other parts of the body, not just the lungs. According to Merck, this is called extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It can affect areas such as the kidneys, lymph nodes, brain, bones, joints and reproductive organs. Symptoms of this condition can include fatigue, fever, sweating, poor appetite and weight loss. If the brain is affected, it may result in headache, nausea, neck stiffness, drowsiness and coma. TB of the intestines can cause abdominal swelling. If it affects the joints, it may result in joint pain and abscesses.

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