Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis: What You Need to Know

Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs but can also spread to other parts of the body. Recognizing its symptoms early is crucial for timely diagnosis and effective treatment. Common signs of pulmonary tuberculosis include persistent cough, coughing up phlegm, hemoptysis (coughing up blood), night sweats, fever, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms may vary depending on the type and stage of the infection.

Understanding the Different Types of Tuberculosis

TB is classified into several types based on how and where the infection develops in the body. Each form presents with distinct clinical features, helping healthcare providers determine the appropriate course of action.

Primary Pulmonary Tuberculosis (Type I)

This form, also known as Type I TB, typically occurs in children and young adults who have been recently infected. The immune system's initial response often results in milder symptoms, which may go unnoticed. Common manifestations include low-grade fever, fatigue, and a mild cough. In many cases, the infection is contained by the body's defenses, though it can remain dormant and reactivate later in life.

Hematogenous Disseminated Tuberculosis (Type II)

Type II TB, or disseminated tuberculosis, happens when the bacteria spread through the bloodstream. This type is more severe and often leads to systemic illness. Patients usually experience prolonged high fever, rapid weight loss, and generalized weakness. If the infection reaches the central nervous system—resulting in tuberculous meningitis—it can cause headaches, nausea, vomiting, confusion, and even altered consciousness. Early detection is critical to prevent life-threatening complications.

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (Type III): The Most Common Infectious Form

Type III includes both infiltrative and chronic fibrocavitary pulmonary tuberculosis. This is the most contagious category and a major focus in public health efforts. Key symptoms are a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, production of sputum, and sometimes blood-tinged phlegm. Laboratory tests often confirm the presence of acid-fast bacilli in sputum samples, indicating active infection. Without proper treatment, this form can lead to extensive lung damage and long-term respiratory issues.

Tuberculous Pleuritis (Type IV)

Also referred to as Type IV TB, this condition involves inflammation of the pleura—the lining around the lungs—due to TB infection. It commonly causes sharp chest pain that worsens with breathing, shortness of breath, and a feeling of tightness in the chest. Fluid accumulation (pleural effusion) is often observed on imaging scans. While not always highly contagious, it requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications such as pleural thickening or restricted lung function.

Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis (Type V)

Type V TB refers to infections outside the lungs and can affect various organs. For instance, skeletal TB may lead to joint pain, spinal deformities, and limited mobility, especially in the spine (Pott's disease). In women, genital tract involvement can result in menstrual irregularities, including amenorrhea (absence of menstruation), pelvic pain, and fertility issues. Other forms include renal TB, gastrointestinal TB, and lymph node TB, each presenting with organ-specific symptoms. Extrapulmonary TB is often harder to diagnose due to its nonspecific presentation.

Early recognition of tuberculosis symptoms—whether pulmonary or extrapulmonary—can significantly improve outcomes. Anyone experiencing a prolonged cough, unexplained fever, or sudden weight loss should seek medical evaluation, especially in regions where TB is prevalent. With proper antibiotic therapy and adherence to treatment protocols, most forms of TB are curable.