Active TB usually causes various symptoms. While most symptoms typically relate to the respiratory system of an individual, they could also affect other body parts, depending on where the TB bacteria grow. symptoms of tuberculosis
Symptoms of TB in the lungs include chest pain, cough lasting more than three weeks, or cough up sputum (phlegm), or blood. At the same time, general tuberculosis symptoms include weakness, unexplained fatigue, chills, fever, appetite loss, night sweats, and weight loss.
Together with general symptoms, tuberculosis spreading to other organs can also cause:
muscle spasms, back pain and stiffness, and spinal irregularity if TB affects the spine
loss of kidney function and blood in urine, if tuberculosis affects the kidneys
confusion, nausea and vomiting, and loss of consciousness, if tuberculosis reaches the brain
If you don't take precautions, you are prone to the risk of transmission. According to the WHO reports, people with active tuberculosis can transfer their infectious bacteria to about 10 and 15 people through close contact per year.
Doctors recommend following these steps to prevent TB transmission:
Get tested right away if you have a higher TB risk or think you may have been exposed
if you test positive for latent (active) TB, take medication precisely as per the dosing schedule recommended
if you are clinically diagnosed with active TB, avoid crowds and close contact with people until you are no longer contagious
Wear a mask or cover your mouth if you have to spend time with others while having active tuberculosis
