What should you know about tb cough?

Tuberculosis can affect the lungs and may cause a persistent cough, but the cough pattern is not specific to tuberculosis. Other explanations include a common cold, [Acute Bronchitis](/conditions/acute-bronchitis/), asthma, allergies, reflux, or another lung condition. A cough symptom should not be read as proof of any one diagnosis.

Clinicians consider how long the cough has lasted, whether there is phlegm or blood, contact with tuberculosis, travel or residence history, immune health, weight change, fever, night sweats, and breathing symptoms. The assessment may include an examination and tests chosen for the individual.

Arrange a medical appointment if the cough is not settling, keeps returning, or is accompanied by fever, night sweats, reduced appetite, or unexplained weight loss. Mention any known contact with tuberculosis and bring a list of medicines and medical conditions. Cover your mouth when coughing, wash your hands, and improve ventilation while awaiting advice if an infectious cause is possible.

Do not start leftover antibiotics or tuberculosis medicines. Cough may also reflect [Chronic Cough](/conditions/chronic-cough/), [Asthma](/conditions/asthma/), or [Allergic Rhinitis](/conditions/allergic-rhinitis/), each of which needs a different approach.

Seek urgent care for coughing blood, severe breathlessness, blue or grey lips, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or rapidly worsening illness. A child who is struggling to breathe, unusually sleepy, or unable to drink also needs urgent assessment. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent fever or significant decline even if breathing feels manageable.

Ask what causes are being considered, whether you need chest imaging or laboratory testing, and whether people who live with you need advice. Tell the clinician about exposure, previous tuberculosis, immune-suppressing treatment, and any blood in sputum. Follow the testing and infection-control instructions you receive.