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TB Signs & Symptoms

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection of the lungs caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It is a chronic, contagious disease that is spread through coughing or sneezing. Most people that are infected with the bacteria that causes tuberculosis do not develop the disease. It is possible for tuberculosis to attack other organs.

  1. Early Stages

    • Tuberculosis is typically asymptomatic in its early stages. In many cases, the bacteria remains dormant for months or even years before becoming active. In some cases it may never become active. It is normally discovered during routine testing or chest X-rays. A tuberculin skin test is a screening tool that can detect the presence of the bacteria that causes tuberculosis but it cannot determine if the illness is active.

    Initial Symptoms

    • The illness becomes contagious when symptoms appear. Initial symptoms include coughing that produces yellow or green sputum, cold sweats during the night, loss of appetite and shortness of breath accompanied by chest pain. The symptoms of tuberculosis are not easily recognized and may be confused with other illnesses. After a diagnosis is made, antibiotics are administered for a period of no less than six months. If the illness fails to respond to treatment, the symptoms will progress to an advanced stage and may require more aggressive treatment.

    Advanced Stages

    • If the bacteria spreads to the lymph modes in the neck, it can cause lesions that contain pus. Tuberculosis that has spread beyond the lungs can cause fatigue, loss of appetite, fever, weight loss and pain. If the illness is resistant to treatment or continues to worsen, surgery may be considered.

    Symptoms in Children and Adolescents

    • The symptoms of tuberculosis vary with age. Children with tuberculosis may experience fever, weight loss, night sweats, cough, chills and enlarged lymph nodes. Adolescents may have a cough lasting for more than three weeks, chest pain, a productive cough, blood-streaked sputum, fatigue, decreased energy, weight loss, loss of appetite, fever and night sweats. The symptoms of tuberculosis resemble the symptoms of other common illnesses. Consult a physician to determine if the child has contracted tuberculosis and to begin an appropriate course of treatment.

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