What are the symptoms of tuberculosis?

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily transmitted through the respiratory tract. Its main symptoms can be summarized as follows: patients often experience a long-term, unexplained cough. Initially, the cough is usually dry or accompanied by small amounts of mucous sputum. As the disease progresses, the amount of sputum may increase and may be accompanied by blood streaks or hemoptysis. In addition, patients frequently exhibit low-grade fever in the afternoon or evening, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, and general fatigue—symptoms of tuberculosis-related toxicity. Some patients may also experience respiratory symptoms such as chest pain and difficulty breathing, especially when the pleura is involved, in which case chest pain may become more pronounced. The course of pulmonary tuberculosis is generally long, and if not treated promptly, it can significantly impair the patient's quality of life and health. Therefore, if the aforementioned symptoms are observed, timely medical consultation and standardized treatment are essential.