Tuberculosis (TB) - Symptoms
If you have latent tuberculosis (TB), you do not have symptoms and cannot spread the disease to others. If you have active TB, you do have symptoms and can spread the disease to others. Which specific symptoms you have will depend on whether your TB infection is in your lungs (the most common site) or in another part of your body (extrapulmonary TB).
There are other conditions with symptoms similar to TB, such as pneumonia and lung cancer.
Understanding Pneumonia -- the Basics
Pneumonia is an inflammation of the lungs. Usually the inflammation is caused by an infection, but it can also be caused by breathing certain chemical fumes. It's a more common problem than most people think. Usually pneumonia is a mild disease, but some forms are very dangerous. In all cases, you'll need a doctor's advice. Pneumonia can affect just one lobe of the right or left lung, a whole lung, or both lungs. Many different kinds of germs infect the lungs and cause pneumonia. Infected lungs...
Read the Understanding Pneumonia -- the Basics article > >
Symptoms of active TB in the lungs
Symptoms of active TB in the lungs begin gradually and develop over a period of weeks or months. You may have one or two mild symptoms and not even know that you have the disease.
Common symptoms include:
- A cough with thick, cloudy, and sometimes bloody mucus from the lungs (sputum) for more than 2 weeks.
- Fever, chills, and night sweats.
- Fatigue and weakness.
- Loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.
- Shortness of breath and chest pain.
Symptoms of an active TB infection outside the lungs
Symptoms of TB outside the lungs (extrapulmonary TB) vary widely depending on which area of the body is infected. For example, back pain can be a symptom of TB in the spine, or your neck may get swollen when lymph nodes in the neck are infected.
WebMD Medical Reference from Healthwise
Tuberculosis (TB) Topics
Today in Lung Health
Health Solutions From Our Sponsors
©2005-2012 WebMD, LLC. All rights reserved.
WebMD does not provide medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. See additional information.