What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis, or TB, commonly affects the lungs. A cough may bring up phlegm, and coughing up blood needs prompt attention. Fever and night sweats can occur alongside reduced appetite, low energy, or weight loss. TB outside the lungs can cause symptoms in the affected area, such as swollen glands. Some people have latent tuberculosis infection, which does not cause symptoms or spread to others, but can become active later.

Arrange a medical assessment if a cough continues or you have a combination of fever, night sweats, fatigue, or weight loss. Tell the clinician about recent travel, close contact with someone with TB, previous TB, and any immune condition such as HIV infection. Testing may involve a chest assessment and laboratory or imaging tests. Do not start antibiotics left over from another illness.

Seek urgent care for coughing up blood, severe breathing difficulty, chest pain, confusion, or marked weakness. Contact a clinician promptly for persistent cough, recurring fever, drenching night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, especially after TB exposure. Until assessed, follow local medical advice about close contact and covering coughs.

Ask which tests are suitable, whether your symptoms could reflect TB outside the lungs, whether close contacts need assessment, and what precautions to take while testing is arranged.