Symptoms of Tuberculosis (TB): A Complete Guide

Tuberculosis, or TB, is an infectious disease that still affects millions of people every year, especially in countries like India. Caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, it most commonly attacks the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. While TB is treatable and curable, early detection is crucial. That’s why understanding the symptoms of tuberculosis is the first step toward timely diagnosis and recovery.

In this blog, we’ll walk you through the early signs of TB, how symptoms vary by age and gender, and when to consult a doctor. Whether you're worried about pulmonary tuberculosis symptoms, latent TB, or MDR-TB, we’ve got you covered.

Common Symptoms of Tuberculosis

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on where the bacteria are growing in the body. However, pulmonary TB symptoms (when the lungs are involved) are the most common. Here’s what to watch for:

1. Persistent Cough (More Than 3 Weeks)
   One of the earliest and most common signs of TB is a cough that doesn’t go away. If your cough lasts longer than three weeks, it could be a sign of TB and not just a regular infection.
2. Coughing Up Blood or Mucus
   Many people with TB experience blood in cough or thick phlegm with streaks of blood. This can be alarming and should never be ignored.
3. Fever and Night Sweats
   Low-grade fever that persists, especially in the evenings or during sleep, along with excessive night sweats, is often reported in people with TB.
4. Sudden Weight Loss
   Unintentional weight loss or loss of appetite is a red flag and could indicate active TB. This symptom often develops gradually and may be ignored until it becomes noticeable.
5. Fatigue and Weakness
   People with TB often report extreme tiredness, even after resting. It’s due to the body fighting a persistent infection.
6. Chest Pain When Coughing or Breathing
   Pain in the chest while coughing or taking a deep breath can be a symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. It may feel sharp or dull and comes from inflammation in the lungs.
7. Shortness of Breath
   As the infection worsens, it may interfere with breathing, causing shortness of breath, especially during physical activity.

TB Symptoms in Adults, Children & Elderly

In Adults:

The symptoms of TB in adults generally include all of the above — cough, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. These are often mistaken for other respiratory infections at first.

In Children:

TB symptoms in kids may be milder or different. They might have poor weight gain, persistent fever, fatigue, or swollen lymph nodes, especially around the neck.

In Elderly:

Tuberculosis symptoms in the elderly can be harder to detect. They may not have a strong cough but might show more fatigue, confusion, or loss of appetite.

In Women:

TB symptoms in women can mirror general symptoms, but hormonal changes and nutritional status may influence how it presents. Night sweats and fatigue are common complaints.

In Men:

Signs of TB in men often include weight loss, persistent cough, and chest pain, but they’re more likely to ignore symptoms, delaying diagnosis.

In HIV Patients:

In people with HIV, TB can progress rapidly. TB symptoms in HIV patients can be more severe and may affect other organs too, making early testing and treatment crucial.

Other Forms & Atypical Symptoms

Pulmonary Tuberculosis Symptoms

This affects the lungs and is the most common type. Symptoms include:

• Cough with phlegm
• Chest pain
• Breathing difficulty
• Coughing up blood

Symptoms of TB in Bones (Skeletal TB)

If TB spreads to bones, it may cause:

• Swollen joints
• Back pain (if spine is involved)
• Difficulty walking

Latent TB Symptoms

Latent tuberculosis doesn’t show any symptoms. The bacteria stay in the body in an inactive state and can become active later. You won’t feel sick, but tests like a TB skin test or TB blood test may come back positive.

MDR TB Symptoms

Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) presents similar symptoms but is harder to treat. Persistent symptoms despite regular treatment may be a red flag. 

Can TB Occur Without Cough or Fever? 

Yes, TB can sometimes be asymptomatic, especially in latent TB, where the bacteria are present in the body but inactive. This means no symptoms are visible, but the infection can become active later, especially if immunity drops. 

Similarly, TB symptoms without cough are possible, particularly if TB has spread beyond the lungs (extrapulmonary TB). You might experience: 

• TB and swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpits) 
• Bone or joint pain 
• Abdominal swelling 
• Neurological symptoms in TB meningitis 

How Does TB Start in the Body?

Tuberculosis begins when TB bacteria are inhaled into the lungs. The body’s immune system either:

• Kills the bacteria, or
• Holds them in check, leading to latent TB
• In some cases, the bacteria multiply, leading to active TB

Over time, especially when immunity is weak, latent TB can become active, causing symptoms.

TB in Bones and Other Organs

Though TB is primarily a lung disease, it can affect other organs too. Here are some specific signs:

• Symptoms of TB in bones: back pain, joint stiffness, swelling
• Abdominal TB: pain, bloating, digestive issues
• TB lymphadenitis: swelling in neck or groin
• TB meningitis: headache, fever, confusion, seizures

How is TB Spread?

TB spreads through airborne droplets. It’s not spread through sharing food, shaking hands, or touching surfaces. Spending a lot of time with someone who has active TB increases the risk of infection.

Latent TB vs. Active TB

• Latent TB symptoms: None. The bacteria are inactive, and the person is not contagious.
• Active TB signs: All the symptoms discussed above, and the person can spread the disease.

That’s why early diagnosis and TB screening are important, especially for those at high risk.

Conclusion

If you or someone around you has any of these common symptoms of tuberculosis, especially a chronic cough, unexplained weight loss, fever, or fatigue, don’t ignore it. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to cure TB and prevent it from spreading.

FAQs on Tuberculosis (TB) Symptoms

What are the first signs of tuberculosis?

The earliest signs of TB often include a persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks, low-grade fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, and unexplained weight loss. Some people may also experience night sweats and chest discomfort.

How do I know if I have TB?

If you’ve been coughing for weeks, feeling unusually tired, experiencing weight loss, or having fever and night sweats, it’s best to get tested. A TB skin test, blood test, or sputum test can confirm if you have TB.

What’s the difference between TB and a regular cough?

A TB-related cough usually lasts more than 3 weeks, often comes with phlegm or blood, and doesn’t improve with usual cold medications. A regular cough typically improves within 1–2 weeks and doesn’t cause other serious symptoms like weight loss or night sweats.

Is chest pain a symptom of tuberculosis?

Yes, chest pain can occur in TB, especially when the infection involves the lungs. You might feel discomfort while coughing or breathing. In rare cases, TB can also cause fluid to collect around the lungs (pleural TB), which leads to chest heaviness.

Are TB symptoms in children different from adults?

Yes. In children, TB may show up as swollen neck glands, fever for more than 2–3 weeks, poor weight gain, or irritability. A chronic cough may not always be present.

Can TB symptoms look like pneumonia?

They can be similar, but TB symptoms last longer and often include night sweats, gradual weight loss, and a long-term cough. In pneumonia, symptoms like fever and cough usually appear suddenly and resolve quicker with antibiotics.