What are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis?

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a highly contagious disease that occurs in the lungs. It is most commonly contracted by individuals with poor physical resistance. Many people are unaware of the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis and often overlook them, leading to a worsening of the condition. Since the early symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis are similar to those of a cold, they are easily confused, leading to delayed treatment. Here is an introduction to the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis:

1. Body Fever. Clinically, patients with pulmonary tuberculosis often experience body fever. This fever has its own characteristics. Some patients may have long-term low-grade fever, usually occurring in the afternoon or evening, while their body temperature returns to normal in the morning. During a worsening of the condition, fever symptoms may become more pronounced, reaching temperatures of 39 to 40 degrees Celsius.

2. Unexplained Sweating. Patients with pulmonary tuberculosis often experience night sweats, where they sweat during sleep. This usually occurs in patients with weaker constitutions. When the condition is more severe, night sweats become more apparent, sometimes wetting through the bedding.

3. Coughing. Coughing is a common clinical symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. Early symptoms may be mild, but as the condition progresses, coughing may worsen. In severe cases, difficulty breathing and hemoptysis may also occur.

4. Expectoration. Early symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis may not be apparent, with patients only experiencing a small amount of white, sticky mucus. However, as the condition progresses, the amount of mucus increases, turning yellow and thick. Patients often experience accompanying systemic discomfort, such as body fever and chills.

5. Chest Pain. Chest pain is also a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. It can range from a dull ache to sharper pain, and patients may experience pain in their shoulders or upper abdomen. Pulmonary tuberculosis often develops slowly, and the treatment process is also relatively long. In severe cases, patients may experience a variety of uncomfortable symptoms, including coughing, expectoration, body fever, hemoptysis, chest pain, and difficulty breathing. They may also experience systemic symptoms such as low-grade body fever, night sweats, and fatigue.