When to Worry About a Cough With Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis can affect the lungs and cause a cough that does not settle. Mucus, chest discomfort, tiredness, fever, night sweats, reduced appetite, or unintended weight loss may accompany it. A cough alone cannot establish the cause. Testing may involve a clinical assessment and samples or imaging, depending on your symptoms and medical history.

Contact a healthcare professional promptly and describe how long the cough has lasted, whether you produce mucus or blood, and any close contact with someone who has tuberculosis. Until you receive advice, improve ventilation, cover coughs, wash hands, and follow local instructions about limiting close indoor contact. Do not stop prescribed tuberculosis treatment without speaking with the treating team.

Seek urgent help for difficulty breathing, severe chest pain, confusion, fainting, blue or grey lips, or significant bleeding when coughing. Prompt review is also needed when a cough persists or is joined by fever, night sweats, unusual tiredness, or weight loss. If tuberculosis is suspected or diagnosed, ask the clinician how household members and other close contacts should be assessed.

Which tests are appropriate for me? Should I avoid close indoor contact while I am being assessed? Could anyone I live with need screening? How should I take my treatment, and which side effects require a call?