Tuberculosis, or TB, is a global health concern. According to the World Health Organization (WHO), about one crore people develop TB every year, and despite being a preventable and curable disease, 10.5 lakh people succumb to it.

TB is a highly infectious disease caused by a bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It most often affects the lungs but can also infect other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, brain, lymph nodes, bones, and joints. One of the most common symptoms of TB is cough, which many neglect as other benign conditions and infections can also lead to it. So, how do you know when you should get tested? In an interaction with the OnlyMyHealth team, Dr Satish C Reddy, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist, CARE Hospitals, Hitech City, Hyderabad, discussed the same and shared who should be more careful.

Common Symptoms Of Tuberculosis (TB)

Interestingly, not all people infected with the TB bacteria develop symptoms or spread the germ. This is called inactive TB, as the bacteria can remain dormant in the body for years. However, if left undetected and untreated, it can become active anytime, making one extremely sick.

“Early detection and differentiation from other respiratory conditions are crucial for effective management,” said Dr Reddy. To assist you in detecting the same, here are some of the most common symptoms of Tb to note:

• Persistent cough
• Prolonged fever
• Night sweats
• Weight loss

“If TB affects other organs (extra pulmonary TB), symptoms vary widely; for instance, it can cause swollen lymph nodes or back pain if it spreads to the spine,” Dr Reddy added, urging people to recognise these symptoms, even when they don't involve the lungs.

When Should People With Persistent Cough Get Themselves Tested For TB

From asthma to chronic bronchitis to lung cancer, persistent cough can have various causes. However, TB-related cough may have distinct features that could make it easier to detect it on time.

Dr Reddy shared that a cough lasting over 2-3 weeks, especially if it doesn’t improve with standard treatments, should prompt consideration of TB testing.

He added that early testing is particularly important in high-risk areas or if additional symptoms such as fever, night sweat, or weight loss are present.

Common tests to detect TB include the Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) and Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRAs) for initial screening. Active TB is diagnosed using sputum smear microscopy and culture, while advanced tests like GeneXpert MTB/RIF provide quick detection and resistance information. Chest X-rays and CT scans are used to evaluate lung damage.

Who Should Be More Vigilant?

According to the WHO, many factors, social, economic, and health-related, contribute to the risk of a TB epidemic. These include undernutrition, diabetes, HIV infection, alcohol use disorders, and smoking.

Some people may be more at risk of developing TB than others. Some risk factors include:

• A weakened immune system (e.g., HIV/AIDS)
• Close contact with someone with active TB
• Living in crowded conditions
• Substance abuse
• Working in high-risk environments

Therefore, public health measures like vaccination and improving living conditions are key to reducing TB spread, Dr Reddy emphasised.

Conclusion

TB is a life-threatening disease. But the good news is that it is preventable as well as curable. The key is to detect it early and ensure timely and proper treatment. A cough that lasts for over 2-3 weeks should be addressed, particularly if it is accompanied with other symptoms, such as fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Consult a doctor to confirm your diagnosis and discuss strategies to fasten your recovery process.

Reference Link

https://www.onlymyhealth.com/when-to-get-tested-for-tuberculosis-if-you-have-persistent-cough-1724825461