Tuberculosis: Symptoms & Causes

Symptoms

There are two types of TB: Latent TB infection and active TB. People with former type hardly show any symptoms which makes it difficult to diagnose while people with latter type experience symptoms like:

• Cough

• Chest Pain

• Coughing up blood or mucus

• Pain with breathing or coughing

• Fatigue

• Weight Loss

• Fever

• Chills

• Night Sweats

• Loss of appetite

Note that Latent TB infection can be converted to active TB if the bacteria grow stronger.

Tuberculosis Causes

Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria. This bacterium spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. The bacteria can then be inhaled by others. It could lead to TB infection.

Not all infections directly lead to the disease. The bacteria remain in the latent stage. However, a weakened immune system can make way for active disease. People with HIV/AIDS, diabetes, substance abuse issues, and malnutrition are more prone to active TB.

Risk Factors

The following factors increase the risk of tuberculosis disease:

• Weakened immune system because of underlying conditions like HIV/AIDS

• Close contact with an infected person

• Living in crowded or unsanitary conditions

• Staying in poorly ventilated rooms with infected people

• Working in the healthcare sector

• Travelling to countries with high TB rates

Also, children below the age of 5 years are more prone to TB than adults due to underdeveloped immune systems.

When to Consult a Doctor

The symptoms of tuberculosis can be similar to those of other illnesses. If your symptoms don’t improve after a few days of rest, you must consult your healthcare provider without delay.

You should seek emergency care if you notice the following symptoms:

• Sudden chest pain

• Difficulty breathing

• Confusion

• Seizures

• Sudden, severe headache

It is important to see your doctor immediately if you:

• Cough up blood

• Notice blood in your stool or urine