• 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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Fatty Liver in Young Adults

India’s Silent Epidemic: Fatty Liver in Young Adults

Introduction

In recent years, a quiet but dangerous health issue has been growing in India—fatty liver disease in young adults. Once thought to affect only older people or those who drink alcohol heavily, fatty liver is now being found in teenagers and people in their 20s and 30s. Shockingly, many of them don’t even realize they have it.

This blog aims to explain what fatty liver is, why it’s becoming common among young Indians, its causes, symptoms, prevention, and how to manage it naturally.

 

What Is Fatty Liver?

Fatty liver, also known as Hepatic Steatosis, is a condition where excess fat builds up in the liver. There are two main types:

  1. Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (AFLD) – caused by heavy drinking.
     

  2. Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease (NAFLD) – occurs in people who drink little or no alcohol.
     

In India, NAFLD is increasing rapidly, especially among young adults. It often begins silently, without any symptoms, and slowly damages the liver over time.

 

Why Is It a Silent Epidemic?

Fatty liver is called a silent disease because most people don’t notice any signs in the early stages. It is often discovered during tests for other conditions or routine health check-ups.

The word “epidemic” may sound extreme, but the numbers support it. According to recent studies:

  • Over 30% of urban Indian adults under 40 may have fatty liver.
     

  • Young people are developing the disease as early as their late teens.
     

  • Many of them have normal weight, which proves that it's not just about being overweight.
     

 

Causes of Fatty Liver in Young Indians

  1. Unhealthy Diet
    High intake of fast food, sugary drinks, processed snacks, and fried items increases fat accumulation in the liver.
     

  2. Sedentary Lifestyle
    Long hours in front of screens and lack of physical activity are major contributors.
     

  3. Obesity and Belly Fat
    Excess fat around the abdomen, even in normal-weight individuals, can lead to NAFLD.
     

  4. Type 2 Diabetes and Insulin Resistance
    These conditions are on the rise among young Indians and are closely linked with fatty liver.
     

  5. Genetics
    A family history of liver disease or obesity can increase the risk.
     

  6. Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
    Young women with PCOS often develop insulin resistance and fatty liver as a result.
     

 

Signs and Symptoms

Most people with fatty liver have no obvious symptoms. But as the condition progresses, some may experience:

  • Constant tiredness

  • Mild pain in the upper right abdomen

  • Unexplained weight gain

  • Bloating or discomfort

  • Elevated liver enzymes in blood tests
     

If left untreated, fatty liver can lead to liver inflammation (NASH), fibrosis (scarring), and even liver cirrhosis or cancer in severe cases.

 

Diagnosis

Doctors may use the following methods to diagnose fatty liver:

  • Blood Tests – to check liver enzymes (ALT, AST).

  • Ultrasound or FibroScan – to detect fat accumulation.

  • MRI or CT scan – in advanced cases.

  • Liver Biopsy – rarely used unless needed to confirm severe damage.
     

 

Prevention: Simple Lifestyle Changes

Fatty liver is largely preventable and reversible in early stages. Here are some tips for young adults:

  1. Eat a Balanced Diet
    Include whole grains, fresh fruits, vegetables, nuts, seeds, and lean proteins. Avoid junk food and reduce sugar intake.
     

  2. Exercise Regularly
    Aim for at least 30 minutes of exercise daily—walking, jogging, dancing, yoga, or sports.
     

  3. Limit Sugar and Refined Carbs
    Cut down on sweets, soft drinks, white bread, and bakery items.
     

  4. Avoid Alcohol
    Even social or occasional drinking can worsen fatty liver, especially in those already at risk.
     

  5. Maintain Healthy Weight
    Keep your BMI in check, and don’t ignore belly fat even if you’re slim.
     

  6. Sleep Well
    Poor sleep affects hormone balance and increases fat storage in the body and liver.
     

  7. Manage Stress
    Chronic stress increases cortisol, which can lead to fat gain and liver problems.
     

 

Natural Remedies and Supportive Measures

While lifestyle change is the key, some natural ingredients may help support liver health:

  • Amla (Indian Gooseberry) – rich in antioxidants and vitamin C.

  • Turmeric – contains curcumin which helps reduce liver inflammation.

  • Milk Thistle – a western herb known to protect liver cells.

  • Green Tea – has catechins that support fat burning and liver health.
     

Always consult your doctor before using herbal supplements, especially if you're on medications.

 

When to See a Doctor

Don’t wait for symptoms. If you:

  • Have a family history of diabetes or liver disease

  • Are overweight or have PCOS

  • Drink alcohol regularly

  • Feel tired all the time without reason
     

…it’s a good idea to get a basic liver check-up. Early diagnosis can help reverse the damage before it becomes serious.

 

The Bigger Picture

Fatty liver disease in India’s youth is not just a health issue—it’s a wake-up call. Our modern lifestyles, food habits, and stress levels are putting a silent strain on one of the most vital organs in our body.

Schools, colleges, and workplaces should spread awareness. Families should encourage home-cooked meals, outdoor activities, and regular health checks.

 

Conclusion

Fatty liver is no longer just an old person’s disease. It is India’s Silent Epidemic: Fatty Liver in Young Adults. The good news is that it can be prevented and even reversed if caught early. By making small but consistent changes to our daily habits, young Indians can protect their liver and ensure a healthier future.

Don’t ignore the signs. Take action today and beat India’s Silent Epidemic: Fatty Liver in Young Adults before it’s too late.

 

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