What is Tuberculosis?

The symptoms of active tuberculosis (TB) are greatly dependent upon which part of the body is infected. Generally, symptoms of active TB include but are not limited to weakness or feeling very tired, sudden-unexplained weight loss, lack of appetite, chills, fever and/or night sweats. Pulmonary TB or, TB in the lungs, can present as a bad cough lasting longer than three weeks, pain in the chest, as well as, coughing up blood or phlegm from deep in the lungs.

The term Extrapulmonary TB refers to all the different types of TB other than pulmonary. General symptoms are the same as Pulmonary TB, but their can also be specific symptoms relating to the particular site(s) in the body that are infected by the TB.

Lymph node TB. Lymphadenitis, results in an enlargement or inflammation in a lymph node and is a common response to a variety of infections.

Skeletal (bone and joint) TB. The most common initial symptom of bone TB is pain, other common symptoms can include a curving of the bone or joint, as well as, loss of movement.

Meningitis TB does not start with classic meningitis symptoms but rather with vague, general symptoms such as, aches and pains, fever, and a general feeling of unwellness that can last from 2 to 8 weeks.

Gastrointestinal or Abdominal TB symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, and bleeding from the anus or rectum.

Anyone can contract TB. If you have a medical conditions that weaken the immune system, have recently spent time with a person with TB, have recently come in contact with TB bacteria, are from a country or have visited areas where TB disease is very common (Mexico, Philippines, Vietnam, China, India, Haiti and Guatemala) or live or work where TB is common, such as a homeless shelter, prison or jail, or long-term care facility, you should get yourself tested by a licensed medical physician. TB is life threatening if not treated.