• Published on: Mar 24, 2022
  • 3 minute read
  • By: Second Medic Expert

Tuberculosis Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis & Treatment

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Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infection that mainly affects the lungs. Symptoms of tuberculosis can vary depending on the part of the body infected but may include coughing up blood, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often affects the lungs. It can also affect other parts of the body including the brain, kidneys, and spine.

Tuberculosis is diagnosed with a simple skin test or by testing a sample of mucus from your lungs. Treatment for tuberculosis usually involves taking antibiotics for 6 to 9 months. Some people may also need to receive treatment for lung damage caused by tuberculosis. With proper treatment, most people with tuberculosis. Symptoms of tuberculosis can vary depending on the severity of the infection, but usually include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, and weight loss. In some cases, people may also experience night sweats, chills, fever, and shortness of breath.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread through contact with saliva or mucus from an infected person. The bacteria can also be spread through close contact with someone who has pulmonary tuberculosis (a lung infection).

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. Symptoms can vary, but may include coughing up blood, chest pain, shortness of breath, fever, and weight loss. It can also spread to other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, and spine. TB is diagnosed with a physical exam and tests that examine your sputum (mucus from your lungs) for bacteria. Treatment typically involves antibiotics and rest. Prevention includes early detection and treatment of active TB cases, as well as vaccinations for certain high-risk groups

Symptoms of tuberculosis can vary depending on the stage of infection. In the early stages, TB may cause fever, night sweats, weight loss, and feelings of sickness (malaise). As the disease progresses, coughing and chest pain may develop. If the infection spreads to other parts of the body, symptoms can include joint pain, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes. There is no one definitive test for diagnosing tuberculosis. Most often a doctor will order a skin test or a chest X-ray. If tuberculosis is suspected, treatment should begin immediately even if a diagnosis has not been confirmed. Treatment typically involves a combination of antibiotics taken for several months. With proper treatment, most people with tuberculosis are cured. Symptoms of tuberculosis depend on where in the body the infection is. In most cases, tuberculosis causes a persistent cough that lasts for more than 3 weeks, along with chest pain and coughing up blood. Other symptoms can include weight loss, night sweats, fever, and fatigue.

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. The bacteria can also be spread through contact with saliva, mucus, or other respiratory secretions. Tuberculosis is diagnosed with a medical examination and tests that look for evidence of the infection in your body. Treatment typically involves taking antibiotics for several months.

Symptoms of tuberculosis can be mild or severe. They can include a bad cough that lasts 3 weeks or more, chest pain, coughing up blood, night sweats, weight loss, and fever. Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It usually affects the lungs, but it can also affect other parts of the body. Tuberculosis is diagnosed with a TB skin test or a chest x-ray. Treatment for tuberculosis includes antibiotics and is usually successful.

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that mostly affects the lungs. Symptoms can vary, but usually include coughing (sometimes with blood), chest pain, shortness of breath, and fever. It's spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes. It can also be spread if someone comes into contact with the saliva or mucus of an infected person. Tuberculosis is diagnosed with a chest X-ray and a test that checks for bacteria in your sputum (mucus from your lungs). Treatment includes antibiotics and sometimes surgery.

Symptoms of tuberculosis can vary greatly from person to person, and it's important to see a doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms for more than two weeks:

- persistent cough

- chest pain

- shortness of breath

- fever

- weight loss

- night sweats

Tuberculosis is caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which most often affects the lungs. The bacteria can also attack other parts of the body, such as the brain, kidneys, or spine. Tuberculosis is diagnosed through a combination of tests, including a physical exam, medical history, chest X-ray, and laboratory tests. Treatment for tuberculosis usually involves taking several drugs for 6 to 9 months.

Tuberculosis (TB) is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs. However, TB can also affect other parts of the body, such as the brain, spine, and kidneys. Symptoms of tuberculosis vary depending on where the infection is located in the body.

Common symptoms of tuberculosis include:

-Coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm from deep inside the lungs)

-Chest pain

-Fatigue

-Weight loss

-Loss of appetite

-Night sweats

-Fever

-Shortness of breath

Tuberculosis symptoms may include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, shortness of breath, rapid breathing, sweating at night, weight loss, and fatigue. TB is caused by the bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It can be spread through the air when a person with TB coughs or sneezes. The bacterium can also be spread through contact with urine, saliva, blood, or other body fluids from a person with TB.

TB is diagnosed with a chest X-ray and by testing samples of sputum (phlegm) for the presence of the bacteria. Treatment for TB includes taking antibiotics for 6 to 9 months. Surgery may also be needed to remove infected tissue.

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Inflammation

How Inflammation Affects Overall Health: Understanding the Hidden Risks

Inflammation is often misunderstood. While it is a vital protective response of the immune system, persistent or chronic inflammation can quietly damage tissues and increase the risk of serious diseases. Understanding how inflammation affects overall health is crucial in preventing long-term complications and maintaining optimal wellbeing.

According to the World Health Organization and global medical research published in Lancet, chronic inflammation is linked to a wide range of non-communicable diseases, including heart disease, diabetes and autoimmune disorders.

 

What Is Inflammation?

Inflammation is the body’s natural response to:

  • infection

  • injury

  • toxins

  • stress

It activates immune cells to eliminate harmful stimuli and promote healing.

There are two main types:

Acute Inflammation

Short-term and protective.
Examples include swelling after injury or fever during infection.

Chronic Inflammation

Long-term, low-grade inflammation that persists even without injury.

Chronic inflammation is harmful.

 

How Chronic Inflammation Develops

Persistent inflammation can result from:

  • unhealthy diet

  • sedentary lifestyle

  • obesity

  • chronic stress

  • environmental toxins

  • untreated infections

Modern lifestyle patterns contribute significantly to this condition.

 

Impact on Heart Health

Inflammation damages blood vessels and promotes plaque formation.

This increases risk of:

  • heart attack

  • stroke

  • hypertension

ICMR data highlights cardiovascular disease as a leading cause of death in India, with inflammation playing a contributing role.

 

Link Between Inflammation and Diabetes

Chronic inflammation interferes with insulin signalling.

This leads to:

  • insulin resistance

  • elevated blood sugar

  • metabolic syndrome

NFHS-5 data shows rising diabetes prevalence, partly linked to inflammatory lifestyle factors.

 

Effect on Joint and Muscle Health

Inflammatory processes contribute to:

  • arthritis

  • joint stiffness

  • muscle pain

Autoimmune diseases often involve chronic inflammation.

 

Gut Health and Inflammation

The gut plays a central role in immune regulation.

Poor diet and stress disrupt gut balance, triggering:

  • inflammatory bowel conditions

  • digestive discomfort

  • nutrient malabsorption

Gut inflammation impacts systemic health.

 

Brain Health and Inflammation

Emerging research suggests chronic inflammation affects:

  • memory

  • mood

  • cognitive performance

Inflammatory markers are associated with depression and neurodegenerative disorders.

 

Chronic Fatigue and Inflammatory Stress

Persistent inflammation causes:

  • ongoing fatigue

  • reduced stamina

  • sleep disturbances

The immune system remains in constant activation mode.

 

Role in Autoimmune Disorders

Autoimmune diseases occur when the immune system mistakenly attacks healthy tissues.

Chronic inflammation is central to conditions such as:

  • rheumatoid arthritis

  • lupus

  • inflammatory bowel disease

 

Signs of Chronic Inflammation

Symptoms may include:

  • unexplained fatigue

  • persistent joint pain

  • digestive issues

  • frequent infections

  • skin problems

Early detection is important.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Increase Inflammation

High Sugar Intake

Excess sugar promotes inflammatory pathways.

 

Processed Foods

Trans fats and additives trigger immune responses.

 

Sedentary Lifestyle

Lack of exercise reduces anti-inflammatory benefits.

 

Poor Sleep

Sleep deprivation increases inflammatory markers.

 

Chronic Stress

Elevated cortisol disrupts immune balance.

 

Natural Ways to Reduce Inflammation

Anti-Inflammatory Diet

Include:

  • leafy greens

  • fruits rich in antioxidants

  • nuts and seeds

  • whole grains

Avoid excessive processed foods.

 

Regular Physical Activity

Exercise lowers inflammatory markers and improves circulation.

 

Stress Management

Meditation and breathing exercises reduce stress hormones.

 

Adequate Sleep

7–8 hours of quality sleep supports immune regulation.

 

Maintain Healthy Weight

Excess abdominal fat produces inflammatory chemicals.

 

Role of Preventive Health Screening

Regular tests such as:

  • blood sugar

  • lipid profile

  • inflammatory markers

help monitor risk factors early.

 

Importance of Early Intervention

Unchecked inflammation increases risk of:

  • cardiovascular disease

  • metabolic disorders

  • organ damage

Timely lifestyle changes reverse early inflammatory effects.

 

Long-Term Health Benefits of Inflammation Control

Reducing inflammation supports:

  • heart health

  • stable blood sugar

  • improved immunity

  • enhanced cognitive function

  • reduced pain

Preventive strategies protect long-term wellbeing.

 

Conclusion

Understanding how inflammation affects overall health reveals its profound impact on the heart, brain, gut and metabolic systems. While acute inflammation protects the body, chronic inflammation silently contributes to major diseases. Fortunately, lifestyle changes such as balanced nutrition, regular exercise, quality sleep and stress management significantly reduce inflammatory burden. Prevention and early monitoring remain the most effective tools for protecting overall health and ensuring long-term vitality.

 

References

  • World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Disease and Inflammation Reports

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Cardiovascular and Metabolic Health Studies

  • National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Diabetes and Hypertension Data

  • NITI Aayog – Preventive Healthcare Strategy Reports

  • Lancet – Inflammation and Chronic Disease Research

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