What are the signs and symptoms of tuberculosis (TB)?

From the Guidelines

Tuberculosis (TB) should be suspected in individuals with a persistent cough lasting more than three weeks, accompanied by other symptoms such as bloody sputum, night sweats, weight loss, anorexia, and fever, as these are common signs and symptoms of TB disease 1. The symptoms of TB develop gradually over weeks to months as the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria multiply in the lungs or other organs.

• Common symptoms of TB include:
  • Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks
  • Bloody sputum (hemoptysis)
  • Night sweats
  • Weight loss
  • Anorexia
  • Fever While pulmonary TB is most common, the infection can spread to other parts of the body causing extrapulmonary symptoms such as:
• Swollen lymph nodes
• Bone pain
• Meningitis
• Abdominal pain Some infected individuals may remain asymptomatic with latent TB infection. Risk factors for TB include:
• Close contact with infected individuals
• Compromised immune systems (particularly HIV infection)
• Malnutrition
• Living in crowded conditions Early recognition of these symptoms is crucial as TB is treatable with a standard regimen of antibiotics typically including isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide for 6-9 months 1. The bacteria's slow growth rate necessitates this extended treatment duration to completely eradicate the infection and prevent drug resistance. Diagnostic tests for TB include the TST, QFT-G, chest radiography, and laboratory examination of sputum samples or other body tissues and fluids 1.

From the Research

Signs and Symptoms of Tuberculosis

• The symptoms of pulmonary TB include:
  • Cough with or without sputum production lasting at least three weeks 2
  • Chest pain 2
  • Hemoptysis 2
  • Fever 2
  • Night sweats 2
  • Weight loss 2
  • Lack of appetite 2
  • Chills 2
  • Weakness 2
• Extrapulmonary TB can occur in various parts of the body, including:
  • Throat 2
  • Lymph nodes 2
  • Abdomen 2
  • Intestines 2
  • Long bones of the legs 2
  • Spine 2
  • Kidneys 2
  • Bladder 2
  • Skin 2
  • Eyes 2
  • Meninges 2

Risk Factors for TB Infection and Disease

• Close contact with an active pulmonary TB case 2
• HIV infection or AIDS 2
• Inactive disease not adequately treated 2
• Low income 2
• Underlying medical condition 2
• Homelessness 2
• Alcoholism 2
• Injection drug use 2
• Aboriginal background 2
• Occupation in health care 2

Risk Settings for TB Infection and Disease

• Travel or residence in an endemic area 2
• Work or residence in a correctional facility 2
• Shelter 2
• Rooming house 2
• Residential facility 2
• Hospital 2
• Long-term care facility 2