• 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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Anxiety Could Be Linked to Your Gut Health

Why Your Anxiety Could Be Linked to Your Gut Health

Have you ever had “butterflies in your stomach” before a big event? Or felt your stomach twist when you’re nervous? These feelings are more than just expressions. They reveal a real connection between your brain and your gut. Today, science is uncovering fascinating links between gut health and mental health—especially anxiety. Let’s explore how your gut might be silently affecting your mood and why it’s so important to keep it healthy.

The Gut-Brain Connection: More Than You Think

The gut and brain are connected through a network known as the gut-brain axis. This communication highway uses nerves, hormones, and chemicals to send messages between the two. The vagus nerve, the longest cranial nerve, plays a key role in this connection. It runs from your brain to your abdomen and helps regulate digestion, mood, and even immune response.

This means your brain can affect your gut—and your gut can affect your brain.

Meet Your Second Brain: The Gut Microbiome

Your gut is home to trillions of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. This complex ecosystem is called the gut microbiome. It helps you digest food, absorb nutrients, fight harmful germs, and even create important chemicals.

Surprisingly, many of these chemicals influence your mood. One key player is serotonin, a “feel-good” hormone. Did you know that about 90% of serotonin is made in the gut? So, if your gut is unhealthy, your mood could suffer too.

How Gut Health Affects Anxiety

When your gut microbiome is balanced, you feel good—physically and mentally. But when it’s out of balance (a condition called dysbiosis), problems can begin.

1. Inflammation

An unhealthy gut can cause inflammation throughout the body, including the brain. This inflammation can interfere with normal brain function and contribute to anxiety and other mood disorders.

2. Leaky Gut Syndrome

If the gut lining becomes too weak, harmful bacteria and toxins can leak into the bloodstream. This is known as leaky gut. These toxins may trigger inflammation and affect your nervous system, increasing feelings of stress and anxiety.

3. Poor Nutrient Absorption

The gut absorbs nutrients like magnesium, B vitamins, and omega-3s—all of which are essential for brain health. If your gut isn’t working well, your brain might not get what it needs to stay calm and balanced.

4. Chemical Imbalance

The gut produces neurotransmitters like dopamine and serotonin. An imbalance in gut bacteria can disrupt their production, potentially leading to anxiety, depression, or mood swings.

Signs Your Gut Might Be Affecting Your Mental Health

If you’re struggling with anxiety, it’s worth asking whether your gut could be involved. Here are some signs your gut health might be impacting your mood:

  • Frequent bloating or gas

  • Constipation or diarrhea

  • Sugar cravings

  • Food intolerances

  • Brain fog or difficulty concentrating

  • Feeling tired all the time

  • Poor sleep quality
     

If you have both anxiety and digestive issues, the two could be connected.

How to Improve Gut Health and Reduce Anxiety

Thankfully, you can take simple steps to support your gut health—and improve your mental well-being along the way.

1. Eat More Fiber

Fiber feeds the good bacteria in your gut. Add more fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes to your diet. Foods like apples, bananas, carrots, oats, and lentils are excellent choices.

2. Include Probiotics and Prebiotics

Probiotics are live bacteria that help balance your gut microbiome. You can find them in yogurt, kefir, kimchi, sauerkraut, and miso. Prebiotics, on the other hand, are foods that feed your good bacteria—like garlic, onions, and bananas.

3. Limit Processed and Sugary Foods

Sugar and highly processed foods can promote bad bacteria and inflammation. Try to reduce your intake of soft drinks, white bread, fast food, and sweets.

4. Manage Stress

Chronic stress can disrupt gut health. Practice stress-reducing techniques like deep breathing, meditation, yoga, or even spending time in nature.

5. Exercise Regularly

Physical activity helps regulate the gut microbiome and boosts mood-enhancing chemicals in the brain. Aim for at least 30 minutes of moderate exercise most days.

6. Get Enough Sleep

Poor sleep affects both gut health and mental health. Aim for 7–9 hours of quality sleep every night. A relaxing bedtime routine can help.

7. Stay Hydrated

Water helps keep your digestion smooth and your gut bacteria balanced. Drink at least 8 glasses of water a day.

8. Consider Supplements (If Needed)

If dietary changes aren’t enough, consider talking to a healthcare provider about probiotic or vitamin supplements. Don’t self-medicate—always consult a professional first.

When to See a Doctor

If you’re experiencing severe anxiety, depression, or digestive problems, don’t ignore it. A doctor or mental health professional can help you find the right treatment. In some cases, therapy, medication, or medical tests may be necessary.

Also, a nutritionist or gastroenterologist can help you identify and manage any gut-related issues contributing to your mental health symptoms.

Final Thoughts

Your gut is not just about digestion—it plays a powerful role in how you feel emotionally. Modern research shows that keeping your gut healthy can positively impact anxiety and overall mental well-being.

By taking simple steps to support your digestive system—like eating well, managing stress, and getting enough sleep—you can help improve both your gut and your mind.

 

Conclusion

In today’s fast-paced world, taking care of your mental health is more important than ever. And one of the most overlooked ways to do that is by taking care of your gut. From serotonin production to inflammation control, your gut plays a major role in how you feel every day. So next time you're feeling anxious, take a moment to think about your digestive health too. After all, it’s not just in your head—it could be in your stomach too.

If you're wondering why your anxiety could be linked to your gut health, it's time to start listening to your gut and making changes that support your entire well-being.

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