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Published on: Dec 26, 2025
5 minute read
By: Secondmedic Expert

TB Disease Symptoms

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Tuberculosis (TB) remains one of the most significant infectious diseases worldwide, especially in developing countries. Despite advancements in diagnosis and treatment, TB continues to cause serious illness due to delayed detection. Understanding TB disease symptoms is essential because the condition often begins quietly, allowing infection to progress and spread before treatment starts.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and the World Health Organization (WHO), early diagnosis and complete treatment are the most effective strategies to control TB and prevent drug resistance.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs (pulmonary TB) but can also involve other organs, known as extrapulmonary TB.

TB spreads through the air when an infected person:

coughs
sneezes
speaks
sings

Prolonged close contact increases transmission risk.

How TB Infection Progresses

TB infection progresses in stages:

Latent TB infection – bacteria remain inactive without symptoms
Active TB disease – bacteria multiply and cause symptoms

Only active TB causes illness and spreads infection.

Common TB Disease Symptoms

Persistent Cough

A cough lasting more than two weeks is the most common TB symptom.

Characteristics include:

continuous coughing
worsening over time
coughing up mucus or blood

Blood-streaked sputum is a serious warning sign.

Fever

TB-related fever is usually:

low-grade
persistent
worse in the evening

Fever may be accompanied by chills.

Night Sweats

Excessive sweating during sleep, even in cool environments, is a classic TB symptom.

Night sweats occur due to immune system activation against infection.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Significant weight loss without dieting is common.

TB causes:

reduced appetite
increased metabolic demand

Weight loss indicates advanced disease activity.

Fatigue and Weakness

Chronic fatigue is often one of the earliest symptoms.

People may experience:

low energy
weakness
reduced ability to work

Fatigue worsens as disease progresses.

Chest Pain and Breathlessness

Inflammation of lung tissue can cause:

chest discomfort
pain during breathing
shortness of breath

These symptoms indicate lung involvement.

Symptoms of Extrapulmonary TB

TB can affect organs beyond the lungs.

Lymph Node TB

painless swelling in neck or armpits
nodes may become firm or drain pus

Bone and Joint TB

persistent back pain
joint stiffness
difficulty walking

TB of the Brain (TB Meningitis)

severe headache
confusion
vomiting
neck stiffness

This is a medical emergency.

Abdominal TB

abdominal pain
swelling
altered bowel habits
unexplained fever

Why TB Symptoms Are Often Ignored

TB symptoms are overlooked because:

they develop gradually
they resemble common infections
fever and cough seem seasonal
weight loss is attributed to stress

Delay allows disease progression and transmission.

Who Is at Higher Risk of TB?

High-risk groups include:

people with weak immunity
individuals with diabetes
smokers
malnourished individuals
people living in crowded conditions
close contacts of TB patients

Regular screening is essential in high-risk populations.

Importance of Early Diagnosis

Early detection:

prevents disease spread
reduces lung damage
improves treatment success
lowers risk of drug-resistant TB

WHO reports that delayed diagnosis is a major cause of TB-related deaths.

How TB Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis may involve:

sputum tests
chest X-ray
molecular tests
blood investigations

Testing is guided by symptoms and clinical assessment.

Treatment and Recovery

TB is curable with:

timely diagnosis
complete treatment course
medication adherence

Incomplete treatment increases the risk of drug-resistant TB.

When to Seek Medical Attention

Consult a doctor immediately if:

cough lasts more than two weeks
fever persists
unexplained weight loss occurs
blood appears in sputum
fatigue worsens

Early evaluation saves lives.

Preventing TB Spread

Preventive measures include:

early diagnosis and treatment
proper cough hygiene
adequate ventilation
screening close contacts

Public health efforts rely on awareness and early action.

Long-Term Impact of Untreated TB

Untreated TB can lead to:

severe lung damage
spread to other organs
respiratory failure
death

TB is preventable and curable—but only if treated early.

Conclusion

TB disease symptoms often begin subtly but signal a serious, potentially life-threatening infection. Persistent cough, fever, night sweats, weight loss and fatigue should never be ignored. Recognising these symptoms early and seeking timely medical care not only improves recovery but also prevents transmission to others. TB remains a major public health challenge, but awareness, early diagnosis and complete treatment can save lives and stop its spread.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Tuberculosis Control and Research Report
National Tuberculosis Elimination Programme (NTEP) – TB Guidelines India
World Health Organization (WHO) – Tuberculosis Fact Sheets and Management Guidelines
Lancet – Global Tuberculosis Burden and Outcomes Studies
National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) – TB Surveillance Dat
Indian Journal of Tuberculosis – Clinical Features and Diagnosis Studies

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Read FAQs

A. Persistent cough, fever, weight loss, night sweats and fatigue.

A. Symptoms may persist for weeks to months before being recognised.

A. Active pulmonary TB can spread, even when symptoms seem mild.

A. TB can affect lymph nodes, bones, kidneys, brain and intestines.

A. If cough lasts more than two weeks or other symptoms persist.

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common nutritional deficiencies in adults

Nutrition plays a foundational role in maintaining energy, immunity, metabolism and overall wellbeing. However, despite increased health awareness, nutritional deficiencies remain widespread among adults. Many people consume sufficient calories but lack essential vitamins and minerals required for proper body function. Understanding common nutritional deficiencies in adults is critical because these deficiencies often develop silently and cause long-term health problems if left untreated.

According to the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) and National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5), micronutrient deficiencies affect a significant portion of the adult population, even among those who appear healthy.

Why Nutritional Deficiencies Are Common in Adults

Modern lifestyles contribute heavily to poor nutrition.

Key reasons include:

high intake of processed and refined foods
irregular meal timings
stress and sleep deprivation
reduced physical activity
digestive and absorption disorders
chronic illnesses and medications

These factors reduce nutrient intake and absorption over time.

Most Common Nutritional Deficiencies in Adults

Vitamin D Deficiency

Vitamin D deficiency is one of the most widespread deficiencies globally.

Causes include:

limited sunlight exposure
indoor lifestyles
sunscreen overuse
poor dietary intake

Symptoms include:

fatigue
muscle weakness
bone pain
frequent infections

Long-term deficiency increases the risk of osteoporosis, fractures and immune dysfunction.

Iron Deficiency

Iron is essential for oxygen transport in the blood.

Causes include:

inadequate dietary iron
blood loss
poor absorption
increased requirements

Symptoms include:

tiredness
breathlessness
pale skin
dizziness

Iron deficiency can progress to anaemia, reducing physical and cognitive performance.

Vitamin B12 Deficiency

Vitamin B12 is crucial for nerve function and red blood cell formation.

Common causes:

vegetarian or vegan diets without supplementation
absorption disorders
long-term medication use

Symptoms include:

numbness or tingling
memory issues
weakness
mood changes

Untreated deficiency may cause permanent nerve damage.

Calcium Deficiency

Calcium supports bone strength and muscle function.

Risk factors include:

low dairy or fortified food intake
vitamin D deficiency
hormonal changes

Symptoms include:

muscle cramps
bone pain
increased fracture risk

Chronic deficiency weakens bones and increases osteoporosis risk.

Magnesium Deficiency

Magnesium plays a role in muscle, nerve and heart function.

Causes include:

poor dietary intake
high stress levels
excessive caffeine or alcohol intake

Symptoms include:

muscle cramps
fatigue
irregular heartbeat
anxiety

Magnesium deficiency affects cardiovascular and nervous system health.

Other Common Deficiencies

Adults may also experience deficiencies in:

folate
zinc
iodine
vitamin A

Each plays a unique role in immunity, metabolism and organ function.

How Nutritional Deficiencies Affect Daily Life

Deficiencies impact:

energy levels
mental clarity
immunity
sleep quality
physical strength

Many people attribute these symptoms to stress or ageing, delaying diagnosis.

Who Is at Higher Risk?

Adults at higher risk include:

people over 40
individuals with chronic illness
vegetarians and vegans
pregnant or breastfeeding women
people with digestive disorders
those under chronic stress

Targeted screening is essential for these groups.

Why Nutritional Deficiencies Are Often Missed

Deficiencies are overlooked because:

symptoms are vague
progression is slow
routine checkups may not include micronutrient testing

Blood tests are often needed for confirmation.

Role of Preventive Health Checkups

Preventive checkups help by:

detecting deficiencies early
preventing complications
guiding dietary and lifestyle changes

NITI Aayog emphasises early nutrition assessment as part of preventive healthcare.

Prevention and Management Strategies

Balanced Diet

Include:

fruits and vegetables
whole grains
legumes and nuts
protein-rich foods

Diet diversity ensures micronutrient coverage.

Sunlight Exposure

Safe sunlight exposure supports vitamin D synthesis.

Medical Supplementation

Supplements should be taken only when prescribed, based on deficiency severity.

Improve Gut Health

Healthy digestion supports better nutrient absorption.

Lifestyle Optimisation

Adequate sleep, stress management and physical activity support nutritional balance.

When to Seek Medical Advice

Consult a healthcare professional if you experience:

persistent fatigue
frequent illness
muscle weakness
unexplained pain
cognitive changes

Early diagnosis prevents long-term damage.

Long-Term Impact of Ignoring Deficiencies

Untreated deficiencies may lead to:

anaemia
osteoporosis
nerve damage
immune suppression
reduced quality of life

Early intervention is always simpler and more effective.

Conclusion

Common nutritional deficiencies in adults are widespread, underdiagnosed and often mistaken for everyday fatigue or stress. Deficiencies in vitamin D, iron, vitamin B12, calcium and magnesium significantly affect energy, immunity and long-term health. Awareness, regular screening and balanced nutrition are essential to prevent complications. Addressing deficiencies early transforms nutrition from a hidden risk into a powerful tool for lifelong health and vitality.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Nutrient Requirements and Deficiency Reports
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Adult Nutrition Data
NITI Aayog – Preventive Nutrition and Health Strategy
World Health Organization (WHO) – Micronutrient Deficiency Guidelines
Lancet – Global Burden of Nutritional Deficiencies Studie
Indian Journal of Nutrition – Adult Micronutrient Deficiency Researc
Statista – Nutrition and Deficiency Trends India

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