What symptoms did you experience with tuberculosis?
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What are the symptoms and signs of tuberculosis?
As previously mentioned, TB infection usually occurs initially in the upper
part (lobe) of the lungs. The body's immune system, however, can stop the
bacteria from continuing to reproduce. Thus, the immune system can make the lung
infection inactive (dormant). On the other hand, if the body's immune system
cannot contain the TB bacteria, the bacteria will reproduce (become active or
reactivate) in the lungs and spread elsewhere in the body.
It may take many months from the time the infection initially gets into the
lungs until symptoms develop. The usual symptoms that occur with an active TB
infection are a generalized tiredness or weakness, weight loss,
fever, and
night
sweats. If the infection in the lung worsens, then further symptoms can include
coughing, chest pain, coughing up of sputum (material from the lungs) and/or
blood, and shortness of breath. If the infection spreads beyond the lungs, the
symptoms will depend upon the organs involved.
Comment from: sylivia.N, 25-34 Female (Patient)Published: March 20
I had a cough that was not healing. When I coughed up blood, my doctor screened my sputum, which came back positive for tuberculosis. I was put on drugs for two months and was tested again. Bacteria was no longer evident in my sputum. I continued with the drugs for six more months and was tested again. The results were negative, so I was discharged from the TB clinic.
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