Does tuberculosis cause cough?

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria that can affect the lungs and can spread through the air in some circumstances. Lung involvement may irritate the airways and lead to a cough that persists, sometimes with phlegm. Other features can include fever, night sweats, tiredness, reduced appetite or weight loss. These symptoms are not specific to tuberculosis, so their presence does not identify the cause by itself. Assessment may include a medical history, examination and tests such as a chest image or a sample of sputum.

Arrange a medical appointment if your cough continues, especially after close contact with someone diagnosed with tuberculosis or after living in or visiting an area where it is more common. Tell the clinician about travel, household contacts, previous tuberculosis, immune-system conditions and medicines. Cover your mouth when coughing, improve ventilation and follow local infection-control advice while an infectious cause is being considered. Do not start, stop or share tuberculosis medicines without specialist guidance; treatment requires a planned course and follow-up.

Seek urgent medical help if coughing is accompanied by difficulty breathing, chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue lips or a large amount of blood. Prompt assessment is also warranted for a cough with persistent fever, drenching night sweats, severe weakness or unexplained weight loss. If tuberculosis is suspected, follow advice about testing and limiting close indoor contact until a clinician explains the next steps.

Ask which tests are appropriate, whether people in your household need screening, how to reduce transmission, and when it is safe to return to work or school. Share how long the cough has lasted and whether it produces phlegm or blood.