TB Symptoms - Causes, Treatment, Medicine

Understand Tuberculosis Symptoms for Timely Treatment

Finding out the symptoms of TB(Tuberculosis) earlier is significant as it helps in the faster treatment and prevents any further complications. The initial symptoms of TB are commonly include a continuous cough for three weeks or longer, along with the other symptoms. The symptoms of TB in babies include Fever, failure to thrive, lethargy, irritability, and in a few cases, breathing difficulty or pneumonia-like symptoms.  

To identify TB symptoms, a medical professional can go through TB blood or skin tests, chest X-rays, and lab tests for TB bacteria. Finding out the TB symptoms at home is not possible. However, TB symptoms like a persistent cough, coughing up blood or mucus, Fever, night sweats, Fatigue, chest pain, or weight loss warn you about future conditions. 

Tuberculosis(TB) is seen in countries such as India, China, Indonesia, the Philippines, Pakistan, Nigeria, Bangladesh, and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. TB has caused an estimated 1.2 million deaths yearly. Thus, it is better to find out the symptoms of Tuberculosis to provide proper treatment.  The early symptoms of TB in women may disturb their daily house chores. Let's discuss the symptoms of Tuberculosis. 

What is TB (Tuberculosis)?

Tuberculosis (TB) refers to a serious infectious disease that happens as a result of the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis; basically, affects the lungs, but it also affects other body parts as well.

Types of TB

There are different types of TB. Here are the different Tuberculosis (TB) types.

• Pulmonary TB: A common type of TB is pulmonary (lung) tuberculosis. This most common form of TB, is when the bacteria basically infect the lungs. 
• Extrapulmonary TB: Extrapulmonary TB is a type of TB that affects organs other than the lungs, like the lymph nodes, joints, bones, kidneys, brain, or other regions. 
• Latent TB: Latent TB is a TB state in which the TB bacteria is present in the body, but it is inactive and does not cause any symptoms or illness. Characteristics: This type is not contagious, and they cannot spread the Disease.
• Active TB: In Active TB, the bacteria actively multiply and causes symptoms and illness.
• Drug-resistant TB: Drug-resistant TB occurs when the bacteria are not killed by standard TB drugs. The most significant form is Rifampicin-Resistant TB (RR-TB). Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB) is resistant to the two most powerful first-line drugs, isoniazid, and rifampicin. A more severe form is Extensively Drug-Resistant TB (XDR-TB).

Symptoms of TB in adults:

General Signs & Symptoms Indicative of TB

These are constitutional symptoms that can occur with active TB disease anywhere in the body, but especially in the lungs.

• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Persistent fatigue and a general feeling of being unwell
• Fever and chills
• Night sweats (often drenching)

Inactive TB (Latent TB Symptoms)

• No symptoms are present.
• The individual does not feel sick.
• The TB bacteria are inactive and walled off in the body.
• The person is not contagious.

Active TB Disease (Pulmonary - Affecting the Lungs)

This is the most common form of active TB disease.

• A persistent cough that lasts for three weeks or longer
• Coughing up blood or bloody sputum (hemoptysis)
• Chest pain, especially when breathing or coughing
• Shortness of breath

Symptoms of Active TB Disease in Other Parts of the Body (Extrapulmonary TB)

Symptoms depend on the organ system that is infected.

TB in the Lymph Nodes:

• Swollen, often painless lymph nodes, most commonly in the neck (formerly known as "scrofula")
• Can eventually break down into an abscess or drain through the skin

TB in the Bones and Spine (Pott's Disease):

• Severe back pain
• Stiffness
• Potential for paralysis or deformity

TB in the Brain (TB Meningitis):

• Severe headache
• Nausea and vomiting
• Stiff neck
• Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
• Changes in mental state

TB in the Kidneys:

• Blood in the urine (hematuria)
• Pain in the flank or back
• Frequent, painful urination

TB in the Abdomen (Peritoneal TB):

• Abdominal pain and swelling
• Digestive issues
• Unintended weight loss

TB in the Pericardium (Heart):

• Chest pain
• Shortness of breath
• Dry cough
• Swelling in the legs and abdomen

TB in the Genital Tract:

• In women: pelvic pain, infertility, irregular bleeding
• In men: pain or swelling in the scrotum

Symptoms of TB in Throat:

• Persistent Hoarseness or Voice Change
• Painful Swallowing (Odynophagia)
• Difficulty Swallowing (Dysphagia): A sensation of food getting stuck in the throat.
• Persistent Sore Throat
• Feeling of a Lump or Mass in the Throat (Globus Sensation)

Causes of TB

The main cause of Tuberculosis (TB) is bacteria (Mycobacterium tuberculosis), which mostly affects the lungs. TB gets spread through the air if the people with lung TB do activities like coughing, sneezing, or spitting. A person becomes infected by inhaling some germs. Each year, 10 million people are affected by Tuberculosis (TB).   

Risk Factors of TB 

We have discussed the causes and symptoms of TB, so let's see the risk factors. There are some risk factors for TB, they include: 

• Having close contact with someone who has active TB. 
• Working in regions with high TB rates
• Living in countries with high TB rates
• People with HIV/AIDS have a great risk of developing active TB disease. 
• As Diabetes weakens the immune system, it increases the TB risk. 
• Severe could weaken the immune system. 
• Certain cancers of the head, neck, blood, etc., and their treatments could weaken the immune system.  
• Malnutrition or low body weight, cancer treatments like chemotherapy, medications to prevent rejection of transplanted organs and long-term use of prescription steroids could weaken the immune system. Thus, they stay as a risk factor for TB. 
• Substance use, such as injection drug use and Silicosis, are also the risk factors of TB. 
• Smoking, using other tobacco products, Alcohol use, Undernutrition, living in crowded areas, and poverty are the other risk factors of TB.

How is TB diagnosed?

TB can be diagnosed through many methods. Here are the methods to diagnose the TB. 

• Initial Assessment through Medical History: Your doctor will enquire about your symptoms, TB exposure, and any earlier TB tests or treatments.
• Physical Examination: Your doctor will listen to the sound of your lungs and check for swollen lymph nodes.  
   

TB Infection Tests 

• TB Blood Tests: like the Interferon Gamma Release Assay (IGRA) test use a blood sample to check how your immune system reacts to TB bacteria.
• TB Skin Tests: like Mantoux Tuberculin Skin Test involve a small amount of liquid being injected under the skin, and a healthcare worker will check for a reaction some 48-72 hours later.
   

Other Tests

• Chest X-ray test helps visualize the lungs and find any abnormalities that could denote TB symptoms.
• Sputum Smear and Culture test involves taking a sample of coughed-up mucus (sputum) to find out the TB bacteria.  
• The other tests are based on the suspected location of TB, and other tests such as urine or tissue samples might be required. 
• NAAT (Nucleic Acid Amplification Test) is a molecular test that helps detect TB bacteria and drug resistance. 
• CT Scans help get a clearer image of the lungs and other tissues if a chest X-ray doesn't offer additional information.  

Treatment for TB

Tuberculosis (TB) treatment basically involves a 6-month course of antibiotics, it often includes isoniazid and rifampicin, with the extra drugs such as pyrazinamide and ethambutol for the first 2 months. 

Active TB disease treatment involves standard treatment, such as providing a 6-month course of four antibiotics.

Drug-resistant TB uses the Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) option.

Latent TB Infection Treatment involves Preventive Treatment (antibiotics for 3 to 6 months) and Shortened Treatment Options (treatment to only 1 or 3 months). 

If TB spreads to the parts like the brain, spinal cord, or the region around the heart, then you might be required to intake steroid medicines for some weeks.

TB Medications

Some medications help in TB treatment; let's see them. 

TB treatment must be managed by a healthcare professional and is often provided through direct observation (DOT) to ensure adherence. Self-medication or incomplete treatment is dangerous and can lead to treatment failure and drug-resistant TB.  

Standard First-Line Treatment Regimen for Drug-Susceptible Pulmonary Tuberculosis

The standard regimen consists of two phases: an intensive phase and a continuation phase.

Special Considerations & Drug-Resistant TB

• Pediatric TB: Dosing is based on weight bands. The regimen is generally the same (2HRZE/4HR), and child-friendly fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) are available.
• TB in People with HIV: The standard regimen is highly effective. A critical consideration is the drug interaction between Rifampicin and some antiretrovirals, which requires careful management by a specialist.
• Extrapulmonary TB: The same regimen is used for most forms of extrapulmonary TB (e.g., lymph nodes, pleura). For severe cases like TB meningitis or miliary TB, the continuation phase may be extended to 7-10 months (e.g., 2HRZE/10HR).
• Drug-Resistant TB (MDR/RR-TB): If the TB bacteria are resistant to Rifampicin and/or Isoniazid, the regimen changes completely. It involves second-line drugs for a longer duration (typically 9-12 months or more) and is more complex, expensive, and toxic. These regimens must be designed by a specialist.

In summary, successful TB treatment requires a standardized, multi-drug regimen taken for a sufficient duration under direct observation to ensure adherence and prevent the development of drug resistance.

Recovery Time for TB

Recovery from Tuberculosis (TB) involves taking a 6-month course of antibiotics, though the duration of treatment can vary based on the type of TB, the severity of the TB, and whether drug resistance is present. Babies with active TB typically begin feeling better within a few weeks of starting treatment. But it's important for them to complete the full course of antibiotics, which can last 6 months or longer, to ensure the infection is eradicated and prevent recurrence or drug resistance.

How to Prevent TB?

In general, one can prevent TB by following the below lifestyle changes.

1. Get Medical Attention: If a person experiences symptoms such as prolonged cough (for 3 weeks or above), Fever, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats, then get medical attention promptly.
2. Undergo Medical Tests: If you are at increased risk (e.g., close contact with people with TB, HIV positive), then undergo the TB diagnostic tests. 
3. Finish Treatment: If you get diagnosed with TB, then take the full course of prescribed medications to prevent the spread of the TB disease. 
4. Follow Good Hygiene: Always cover your mouth and nose while you cough or sneeze, ideally with a tissue paper, and dispose that tissue paper properly. Next, wash your hands frequently, particularly after coughing or sneezing. Have proper ventilation in your home and workplace. 
5. Avoid close contact With TB Patients: Avoid close contact with others active TB, if you have active TB, particularly with those at higher risk. 
6. Respiratory Hygiene: Have respiratory hygiene practices, like offering masks and tissue papers and proper ventilation. 
7. Prevent Infection from Becoming Disease: TB preventive treatment (TPT) will help prevent TB infection from becoming a more active TB disease. 
8. Discuss about TPTs: If you are at high risk of TB (e.g., close contact with someone with TB, HIV positive), then discuss TPT with your Doctor. 
9. Get BCG Vaccinated: Countries with high TB prevalence, often vaccinate children with the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, which offer partial security against serious forms of TB. Discuss the advantages and risks of BCG vaccination with your doctor, particularly if you are at high-risk area or have close contact with people with TB.   
10. Nutritious Diet and Exercise: Lead a healthy lifestyle method with a nutritious diet and regular exercise to support your immune system. 
11. Stay Informed: Learn about TB prevention methods and get reliable information from healthcare professionals or organizations such as the World Health Organization (WHO).  
12. Check Air Quality: Ensure that you have good ventilation in your home and workplace, as TB bacteria can be suspended in the air for extended time periods in the absence of proper ventilation. 
13. Natural Light: Exposure to natural light could help kill TB bacteria.

Foods to Eat in TB

Eating some foods helps with fast recovery from TB. Here are the foods to be included during TB.  

Foods to Avoid during TB

There are some foods which have to be avoided to prevent further complications. Here are those foods that have to be avoided during TB. 

Conclusion

We have discussed the symptoms of Tuberculosis. There are several early symptoms of TB in women. There are many TB signs and symptoms. The symptoms of TB in women include a continuous persistent cough for over three weeks, coughing up blood or phlegm, weight loss, night sweats, chills, Fever, Fatigue, and Loss of appetite. TB and spinal TB are not the same, though spinal Tuberculosis (Pott's Disease) is a kind of Tuberculosis (TB) that particularly affects the spines. Skin tb symptoms include fever, weight loss, and night sweats. 

But, "TB" (tuberculosis) and "skin TB" (cutaneous tuberculosis) are not the same, however skin TB is a form of TB that is caused by the same bacteria and affects the skin. Identifying the sign and symptoms of TB through the diagnosis will help in proper treatment. TB symptoms and treatment will be properly handled by the medical team for a faster recovery.