We all get colds. Whether you’ve caught one from your little ones running around preschool or you’ve picked up a virus at work, everyone is susceptible to those dreaded tissues piled high by your bedside. Let’s face it, getting over a cold sucks. It’s always bad timing, and no matter how soon the symptoms start, they always seem to last way too long. But don’t worry, there are things you can do to make yourself more comfortable while your body is killing those germs!
Although it might seem like your cold will never end, here are some signs and symptoms of Tuberculosis that shouldn’t be ignored.
Persistent Cough: Most Likely Symptom to Show Up First
If you have had a cough for more than two or three weeks, this can also be one of the first symptoms of tuberculosis. When a cough is caused by TB, it will not improve with the use of over-the-counter medicine, as you would expect from a regular cold or seasonal cough.
Tuberculosis coughs will usually start as a dry cough, but will produce phlegm at some point. The longer it goes on, the worse your cough will become, and it may include pain in your chest. Many people ignore this because they think it is due to pollution or because they smoke/drink or have asthma/allergies, but a persistent cough is one of the prominent early symptoms of TB.
A tuberculosis test at home or a doctor visit is advisable in case of a persistent cough for weeks.
Loss Of Appetite And Weight Loss
You may experience unexpected weight loss over a short period of time with a TB infection as well. If you notice your clothes are fitting more loosely on you or you seem to weigh less than normal despite no changes to diet and exercise, these are warning signs as well.
Loss of appetite may be present with weight loss. Your body is using energy to fight off the infection. This loss of energy can affect your appetite as well as your metabolism. Many tuberculosis infection symptoms can be mild at first and progress later on.
Eat a high-calorie, high-protein diet which includes foods rich in protein, such as pulses, milk, and eggs. Have small meals throughout the day (5-6 times), and avoid skipping meals. Along with taking your medications on time.
Fever, Night Sweats, and Chills
A prolonged low-grade fever is another symptom of TB. Sometimes people will have what is called a “midnight” or evening fever that elevates later in the day. Night sweats accompany the fevers and leave you waking up with soaked clothes and/or bedsheets. Seek medical attention if this happens to you.
These symptoms will occur while your body is fighting the infection and are also considered classic signs of TB infection.
Constant Feeling of Tiredness and Weakness
Everybody feels tired sometimes. But do you get tired all the time, and doesn’t seem to get better after resting? TB may cause your energy to be depleted. You may feel tired doing your daily activities.
This happens because your body is working hard to fight the infection all the time. Some people may ignore it and think that it’s just stress or that they’re overworking themselves. However, if you experience this symptom with other early signs of tuberculosis, consulting with a physician is recommended.
Chest pain or difficulty breathing
The most commonly affected organ of TB is the lungs. Because of this, TB can lead to chest pain or difficulty breathing. You may experience pain when you take deep breaths or when coughing. Pain when performing your daily tasks can also occur.
Once TB has advanced, the inflammation in your lungs will cause you to experience pain when you breathe. Feeling like you can’t breathe or you’re hyperventilating can be another symptom of tuberculosis; be sure to keep it in mind as a tuberculosis warning signs.
Coughing Up Blood: A Serious Red Flag
Hemoptysis (medical term for coughing up blood), even in minor amounts, is one of the scariest symptoms of tuberculosis. TB can cause lesions in the lungs and arteries, which lead to coughing up blood.
This may be a late-occurring symptom, but if you experience this, please don’t take any chances. Visit your doctor immediately if you cough up blood. Better safe than sorry, as this is a serious symptom of your lungs being severely infected.
See Your Doctor & Get Tested
If you have any of the combination of symptoms above, especially a persistent cough, fever, weight loss, or fatigue that lasts more than two weeks, make an appointment with your doctor.
Getting treatment for TB as soon as possible can help prevent complications and the spread of infection to others. Understanding the Importance of tuberculosis test can help you take timely action.
See Your Doctor If You:
- Have spent time with someone who is sick with TB
- Have a weak immune system
- Live or work in high-risk conditions
Early detection not only improves treatment outcomes but also helps protect others from infection.
Conclusion
TB symptoms typically start out mild and undetectable to most people. By your body giving you these few warning signs, you could be allowing yourself to cause major damage. Learn the symptoms of TB and take action when your body begins to show coughing that won’t quit, weight loss, fever, tiredness, and chest pain.
If you just know that something feels off and symptoms persist, get checked. TB can be cured, particularly if you seek treatment soon after infection. Learn about TB and take action. You can prevent yourself and others from further damage.
FAQ’s
1. What are some of the first signs of tuberculosis?
Feeling fatigued, coughing, mild fever, and loss of appetite are some of the first signs of TB. Most people neglect these TB symptoms, thinking that they might have a cold or the flu. If you experience these symptoms frequently, get yourself checked by a doctor.
2. How long should a cough associated with TB last?
If you have TB, coughing will usually last more than 2–3 weeks and may even become worse over time.
3. Does TB always cause weight loss?
No, but if you experience significant weight loss alongside other symptoms such as fever, chills, and tiredness, then it may be tuberculosis.
4. Does tuberculosis cause shortness of breath?
Yes, tuberculosis can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.
5. Does coughing up blood mean tuberculosis?
Coughing up blood does not always mean you have TB. However, if you cough up blood, visit a doctor immediately to rule out TB and other illnesses.
6. Can you test for TB early at home?
Yes, you can. With the Tuberculosis test at home, detecting TB early has never been this easy.
Feeling fatigued, coughing, mild fever, and loss of appetite are some of the first signs of TB. Most people neglect these TB symptoms, thinking that they might have a cold or the flu. If you experience these symptoms frequently, get yourself checked by a doctor.
If you have TB, coughing will usually last more than 2–3 weeks and may even become worse over time.
No, but if you experience significant weight loss alongside other symptoms such as fever, chills, and tiredness, then it may be tuberculosis.
Yes, tuberculosis can cause chest pain and difficulty breathing.
Coughing up blood does not always mean you have TB. However, if you cough up blood, visit a doctor immediately to rule out TB and other illnesses.
Yes, you can. With the Tuberculosis test at home, detecting TB early has never been this easy.
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