How long does it take for symptoms of tuberculosis to appear?

The time when symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis appear varies from person to person. Generally, after infection with tuberculosis, there is an incubation period of 4–8 weeks. During this period, Mycobacterium tuberculosis grows and multiplies in the body, but it may not cause obvious symptoms. After the incubation period, if the patient's immune function gradually weakens or the virulence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis is strong, symptoms may develop within 24–72 hours, such as coughing, sputum production, blood in the sputum, afternoon fever, fatigue, night sweats, and weight loss. However, some patients may not exhibit any symptoms throughout the entire incubation period, which may be related to individual physical condition, the quantity and virulence of the infecting Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and other factors. Please note that if symptoms suggestive of pulmonary tuberculosis appear, timely medical consultation and professional examination and treatment are necessary.