What are the symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis (TB) symptoms include prolonged cough with sputum production, low-grade fever in the afternoon accompanied by night sweats, progressive weight loss and fatigue, hemoptysis (coughing up blood) or blood-tinged sputum, and chest tightness or discomfort. Mycobacterium tuberculosis invades lung tissue, and disease progression can impair respiratory function. If you experience a persistent cough lasting more than two weeks, recurrent hemoptysis, or sustained high fever, seek medical evaluation and treatment promptly.

1. Prolonged cough and sputum production: Cough persists for an extended period and is often unresponsive to routine antitussive measures. Sputum volume gradually increases; initially, it may appear as white, viscous mucus, but its characteristics change as the disease progresses—interfering with normal breathing and daily activities.

2. Low-grade afternoon fever and night sweats: Fever typically occurs in the afternoon and is usually mild. Profuse sweating commonly occurs during sleep. Upon waking, sweating subsides but leaves the body feeling hot and uncomfortable; such temperature fluctuations recur frequently, resulting in significant energy depletion.

3. Weight loss and fatigue: Chronic infection progressively depletes the body’s resources, leading to declining appetite and continuous weight loss. Even minimal physical activity induces profound exhaustion and mental lethargy, making it difficult to sustain normal physical stamina and mental alertness.

4. Hemoptysis and blood-tinged sputum: When TB lesions damage pulmonary blood vessels, sputum may contain streaks of blood; severe cases may present with frank hemoptysis. This is a critical warning sign—the extent of vascular injury determines the volume of bleeding, which can vary significantly.

5. Chest tightness and discomfort: When lesions involve the pleura, patients may experience sharp or oppressive chest pain. Pain intensifies during coughing or deep breathing, limiting respiratory excursion and causing marked physical discomfort.

Maintain good indoor ventilation and practice appropriate personal hygiene to prevent pathogen transmission. Ensure balanced nutrition and adequate sleep and rest. Adhere to standardized medical treatment to support gradual recovery of pulmonary function.