• 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.

Read Blog
Fatigue

why fatigue should not be ignored

Feeling tired occasionally is a normal response to physical exertion, lack of sleep or emotional stress. However, when fatigue becomes persistent, overwhelming or unexplained, it should not be dismissed. Fatigue is one of the most common symptoms reported in healthcare, yet it is also one of the most frequently ignored.

Understanding why fatigue should not be ignored is essential because it often acts as an early warning sign of deeper physical or mental health issues.

 

What Is Fatigue?

Fatigue is a state of ongoing physical, mental or emotional exhaustion that:

  • lasts longer than expected
     

  • interferes with daily activities
     

  • does not improve with rest or sleep
     

Unlike ordinary tiredness, fatigue affects motivation, concentration and overall functioning.

 

Why Fatigue Is Commonly Ignored

Fatigue is often dismissed because:

  • busy lifestyles normalise exhaustion
     

  • symptoms develop gradually
     

  • people attribute fatigue to stress or ageing
     

  • rest temporarily masks the issue
     

Ignoring fatigue allows underlying conditions to progress unnoticed.

 

Common Medical Causes of Persistent Fatigue

Nutritional Deficiencies

Deficiencies in:

  • iron
     

  • vitamin B12
     

  • vitamin D
     

  • magnesium
     

can significantly reduce energy levels and cause weakness.

 

Anaemia

Anaemia reduces oxygen delivery to tissues, leading to:

  • constant tiredness
     

  • breathlessness
     

  • dizziness
     

It is one of the most common yet underdiagnosed causes of fatigue.

 

Thyroid Disorders

Both underactive and overactive thyroid conditions affect metabolism.

Symptoms include:

  • fatigue
     

  • weight changes
     

  • cold or heat intolerance
     

Thyroid-related fatigue often persists despite rest.

 

Chronic Infections

Low-grade or unresolved infections keep the immune system activated, causing prolonged fatigue.

 

Hormonal Imbalance

Hormones regulate energy, sleep and metabolism.

Imbalance may lead to:

  • exhaustion
     

  • poor sleep
     

  • low motivation
     

 

Poor Sleep Quality

Even with sufficient sleep duration, poor sleep quality can cause fatigue due to:

  • sleep apnea
     

  • frequent awakenings
     

  • stress-related insomnia
     

 

Mental Health Conditions

Anxiety, depression and chronic stress commonly present with fatigue as a primary symptom.

Mental fatigue is as real and impactful as physical fatigue.

 

Lifestyle Factors That Worsen Fatigue

Certain habits intensify tiredness:

  • irregular meals
     

  • excessive caffeine
     

  • dehydration
     

  • lack of physical activity
     

  • prolonged screen use
     

Lifestyle-related fatigue often coexists with medical causes.

 

How Fatigue Affects Daily Life

Persistent fatigue impacts:

  • work performance
     

  • concentration and memory
     

  • emotional regulation
     

  • physical activity
     

  • social relationships
     

Over time, quality of life declines significantly.

 

Warning Signs That Fatigue Needs Medical Attention

Seek evaluation if fatigue:

  • lasts more than two weeks
     

  • worsens progressively
     

  • occurs with weight loss or fever
     

  • is associated with breathlessness
     

  • interferes with daily tasks
     

These signs suggest an underlying issue.

 

Why Early Evaluation Matters

Early identification of fatigue causes:

  • prevents disease progression
     

  • simplifies treatment
     

  • improves recovery time
     

  • restores normal energy levels
     

Delayed care often leads to chronic complications.

 

Diagnostic Evaluation for Fatigue

Assessment may include:

  • detailed history
     

  • blood tests
     

  • nutritional screening
     

  • hormonal evaluation
     

  • sleep assessment
     

Testing helps identify root causes rather than treating symptoms alone.

 

Can Fatigue Be Prevented?

Some preventive measures include:

  • balanced nutrition
     

  • adequate hydration
     

  • regular physical activity
     

  • consistent sleep routine
     

  • stress management
     

However, prevention does not replace evaluation when fatigue persists.

 

Fatigue and Chronic Disease Risk

Long-term fatigue may be linked to:

  • cardiovascular disease
     

  • metabolic disorders
     

  • immune dysfunction
     

This makes fatigue an important early health signal.

 

When Rest Is Not Enough

If energy does not return after:

  • adequate sleep
     

  • reduced workload
     

  • lifestyle changes
     

medical evaluation is essential.

 

The Cost of Ignoring Fatigue

Ignoring fatigue can lead to:

  • delayed diagnosis
     

  • worsening health conditions
     

  • reduced productivity
     

  • emotional burnout
     

Listening to the body early prevents long-term consequences.

 

Conclusion

Fatigue is not merely a sign of a busy life—it is often the body’s way of signalling imbalance or illness. Persistent tiredness that does not improve with rest should never be ignored. Whether caused by nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, chronic stress or underlying disease, fatigue deserves attention. Early evaluation and timely care can restore energy, prevent complications and significantly improve quality of life. Listening to fatigue is an act of self-care and preventive health.

 

References

  • Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Fatigue and Lifestyle Health Report

  •  World Health Organization (WHO) – Chronic Fatigue and Health Guidelines

  •  National Institute of Nutrition (NIN) – Nutrient Deficiency and Energy Research

  • Lancet – Fatigue as a Marker of Chronic Disease Studie

  •  Indian Journal of Medicine – Persistent Fatigue and Diagnosis

  • Statista – Fatigue, Stress and Health Trend Analysis

See all

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