Tuberculosis symptoms may go undetected until the pulmonary or extrapulmonary condition is in its advanced stage. Therefore, regular and frequent visit to your doctor is recommended to appropriately monitor your health conditions.
What are Tuberculosis Symptoms?
Pulmonary tuberculosis or TB is a contagious bacterial infection that should be recognized during its early stages in order to avoid the spread to other organs and further advancement to a critical stage. This lung infection begins like most infections – without having recognizable signs and symptoms. There are some who have strong body defenses that could overcome TB without having to take any measure, while there are also others who reveal tuberculosis symptoms including dry cough, fever, cold sweats as well as abnormalities which could only be seen with a chest x-ray.
Below are a few of the tuberculosis symptoms that a person may encounter as the condition progresses:
. A feeling of sickness and weakness
. Extreme weight loss as a result of appetite loss
. Rapid and shallow breaths, which is moderate at the outset and then gets worse gradually
. Prolonged cough with thick phlegm and traces of blood
. Fever with temperature of 38?C (100.4 ?F) and above
Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis Symptoms and Types
Extrapulmonary tuberculosis develops once the condition progresses to more advanced stages and the tuberculosis infection actually sets out to affect other parts of the body. It often affects individuals with weak immune systems -the body’s defense system towards ailments and infections.
Tuberculosis symptoms eventually result in the identification of the following affected areas of the body: (a) lymph nodes near the lungs, (b) joints and bones, (c) the gastrointestinal system, (d) the reproductive system along with the bladder, and (e) the nervous system.
The types of extrapulmonary tuberculosis are discussed below along with the related extrapulmonary tuberculosis symptoms:
A. Lymph Node Tuberculosis
The lymph nodes are oval glands which are spread throughout the body and is a crucial part of the immune system. They help remove harmful bacteria, and so on in your body. Signs of lymph node tuberculosis are prolonged, painless swelling of lymph nodes under the chin as well as other nodes all over the body. This can lead to a discharge of fluid from the skin.
B. Skeletal Tuberculosis
The most distinct skeletal tuberculosis symptoms include loss of feeling or motion of affected bones and joints, bone pain, or weakening of bones that result in curving and fracture of affected bones.
C. Gastrointestinal Tuberculosis
The symptoms of gastrointestinal tuberculosis include traces of blood from the anus, abdominal pain and loose bowel movements.
D. Genitourinary Tuberculosis
Groin pain, a constant urge to urinate at night, a burning sensation while urinating and traces of blood in urine are some of the typical symptoms of tuberculosis which affects the reproductive system and bladder are a few of the common symptoms of tuberculosis affecting the bladder and reproductive system are some of the common symptoms of tuberculosis which affects the reproductive system and bladder.
E. Central Nervous System Tuberculosis
With the spinal cord and brain affected by this type of tuberculosis infection, its symptoms include headaches, stiff neck, blurred vision, inconsistent mental states or fits, and being sickly.
It is encouraged that you frequently see your medical professional once you experience coughing that lasts for 3 weeks or more, if there are traces of blood after a series of coughs, or if other considerable tuberculosis symptoms arise.
If you have more problems related to tuberculosis, I highly recommend you click this link to find out more about tuberculosis symptoms.