Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection primarily caused by *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* that most often affects the lungs but can also involve other parts of the body. The signs of tuberculosis vary depending on whether the infection is latent (inactive) or active, and whether it affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) or other organs (extrapulmonary TB).
**Signs of Latent Tuberculosis**
Latent TB infection means the bacteria are present in the body but inactive, causing no symptoms and not contagious. People with latent TB usually feel completely well and do not show any outward signs. This state can only be detected through specific tests like the tuberculin skin test or blood tests. Without treatment, latent TB can progress to active TB in about 5% to 15% of cases over a lifetime.
**Signs of Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis**
When TB becomes active in the lungs, it produces a range of symptoms that develop gradually and worsen over time. The most common signs include:
– **Persistent cough lasting more than two to three weeks:** This cough may start dry but often becomes productive, producing sputum (mucus). The sputum may sometimes contain blood, which is a serious warning sign.
– **Chest pain:** This can be a dull ache or sharp pain, often worsened by coughing or breathing deeply.
– **Coughing up blood (hemoptysis):** This occurs when the infection damages lung tissue or blood vessels.
– **Fever:** Usually low-grade but can be persistent, often accompanied by chills.
– **Night sweats:** Profuse sweating during sleep that soaks clothing and bedding.
– **Unexplained weight loss:** Significant loss of appetite and body weight without trying.
– **Fatigue and general malaise:** Feeling unusually tired and weak, even with normal activities.
– **Shortness of breath:** Especially in advanced cases where lung damage is extensive.
In some severe cases, TB can cause complications such as erosion into blood vessels leading to massive bleeding or extensive scarring of lung tissue, which may result in chronic respiratory symptoms even after treatment.
**Signs of Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis**
TB can also infect other parts of the body, such as lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, the brain, or the nasopharynx. Symptoms depend on the organ involved but often include:
– Persistent pain or swelling near the affected area.
– Fever and night sweats similar to pulmonary TB.
– Weight loss and fatigue.
For example, TB of the lymph nodes may cause painless swelling, while TB of the spine can cause back pain and deformities. When TB affects the brain (tuberculous meningitis), symptoms may include headaches, confusion, and neurological deficits.
**Signs of Tuberculosis in Children and Infants**
TB symptoms in children can be less specific and harder to recognize:
– In toddlers and young children, persistent fever and failure to gain weight or grow normally are common signs.
– Babies may be unusually inactive or irritable, have difficulty feeding, vomiting, or show swelling in the soft spot on their head.
– Older children and teenagers often show symptoms similar to adults, including prolonged cough, fever, and weight loss.
**When to Seek Medical Attention**
If you or someone you know experiences a cough lasting more than two or three weeks, especially if accompanied by blood in the sputum, chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fever, or night sweats, it is important to see a healthcare provider promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to prevent complications and stop the spread of TB to others.
**Additional Notes**
– TB spreads through airborne droplets released when a person with active pulmonary or laryngeal TB coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs.
– TB is not spread by casual contact such as shaking hands, sharing food, or touching surfaces.
– People with latent TB do not spread th
