Tuberculosis Symptoms

Tuberculosis Symptoms

Tuberculosis symptoms may go unnoticed until the pulmonary or extrapulmonary condition is in its advanced stage. Thus, regular check-ups are suggested for careful monitoring of health conditions.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis Symptoms

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a condition that should be diagnosed during its early stages in order to avoid progression to its advanced stages. This lung infection starts like most infections – without noticeable symptoms. Most people tend to overcome pulmonary tuberculosis, while other may develop tuberculosis symptoms like dry cough, fever, cold sweats and abnormalities that can only be detected with a chest X-ray.

As the TB infection accelerates, the tuberculosis symptoms may be experienced:

• Feeling unwell and extremely tired
• Lack of appetite that leading to excessive weight loss
• Shortness of breath, which is mild at first and then gets worse gradually
• Persistent coughing with thick phlegm and traces of blood
• Fever with temperature of 38°C (100.4 °F) and above

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Symptoms and Types

At more advanced stages, other parts of the body can be affected by the tuberculosis infection. This is known as extrapulmonary tuberculosis. It commonly affects people with weak immune systems—the body’s defense system against illnesses and infections.

Tuberculosis symptoms eventually lead to the identification of the following affected body parts: (a) lymph nodes near the lungs, (b) joints and bones, (c) the digestive system, (d) the reproductive system along with the bladder, and (e) the nervous system.

Below is a list of tuberculosis symptoms in relation to the types of extrapulmonary tuberculosis:

1.      Lymph Node Tuberculosis

The immune system consists of small, oval glands called lymph nodes. They aid in the removal of unwanted bacteria, etc. in the body. Signs of lymph node tuberculosis are persistent, painless swelling of lymph nodes under the jaw or other nodes throughout the body. This leads to a release of fluid through the skin.

2.      Skeletal Tuberculosis

Skeletal tuberculosis symptoms include bone pain, weakening of bones that lead to curving and fracture of affected bones and loss of feeling or movement of affected joints or bones.

3.      Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis

Diarrhea, traces of blood from the anus and abdominal pain are common signs of gastrointestinal tuberculosis.

4.      Genitourinary Tuberculosis

Symptoms of tuberculosis affecting the bladder and reproductive system include groin pain, a constant urge to urinate at night, a burning sensation while urinating and traces of blood in urine.

5.       Central Nervous System Tuberculosis

With the spinal cord and brain affected by this type of tuberculosis infection, its symptoms consist of headaches, stiff neck, blurred vision, inconsistent mental states or fits, and being sickly.

It is advised that you regularly see you general physician once you experience coughing that lasts for three weeks or more, if traces of blood are seen after a series of coughs, or if other serious tuberculosis symptoms occur.