Tuberculosis (TB) Signs and Symptoms

What is Tuberculosis (TB)?

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious disease that spreads through the air. It is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis and Mycobacterium bovis which was discovered by Dr. Robert Koch on March 24, 1882. If left untreated, a person with TB can face serious illness and possibly death specially for those with weakened immunity.

TB can spread from person to person by inhaling an infected air with bacilli. When a person with TB sneeze, cough, talk or spit, he can contaminate the air with bacilli bacterium.


Signs and Symptoms


A person may carry the disease for a long time with no symptoms, but for many people with tuberculosis the following signs and symptoms may be experienced.

• Cough lasting from 3 to more weeks which produces a discolored sputum
• Rapid unintended weight loss
• Profuse night sweating
• Tiredness and weakness
• In worst conditions, chest, back and kidney pains
• Sudden feeling of chills

If you're feeling any or most of the following symptoms and suspects that you have TB, consult your health practitioner for proper diagnosis. He may require that you undergo chest X-ray and provide sample of sputum for laboratory analysis.

Source: ayushveda.com, emedicinehealth.com


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