What are the first signs of tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is an infection caused by bacteria that most often affects the lungs, although it can involve other parts of the body. Symptoms may build gradually rather than start all at once. Lung disease can cause a cough that does not settle, chest discomfort, phlegm, or coughing blood. General symptoms include [Fever](/symptoms/fever/), [Night Sweats](/symptoms/night-sweats/), low energy, and [Unintentional Weight Loss](/symptoms/unintentional-weight-loss/).

Swollen glands or symptoms outside the chest can occur when other organs are involved. These features also have many other explanations, so they do not establish tuberculosis on their own.

Arrange medical review for a persistent cough, ongoing fever, drenching night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, particularly after close contact with someone who has infectious tuberculosis or travel to an area where it is common. Cover your mouth when coughing, improve ventilation, and follow local clinical advice about contact with others while assessment is arranged. Do not start antibiotics without a prescription.

Seek urgent help for coughing blood, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, fainting, or rapidly worsening illness. A clinician may recommend [Tuberculosis Screening](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/tuberculosis-screening/), sputum testing, or a [Chest X-Ray](/treatments/diagnostics-and-screening/chest-x-ray/). Prompt assessment matters because untreated infectious disease can spread to close contacts.

Ask which tests are suitable, whether household or workplace contacts need advice, how to reduce transmission, and what treatment would involve if tuberculosis is confirmed. [Antibiotic Treatment](/treatments/medical-management/antibiotic-treatment/) uses a planned course that should be followed exactly.