Tuberculosis

A bacterial infection, tuberculosis (TB) primarily affects the lungs but can also affect the kidneys, spine, or brain. Latent TB, which some people carry without showing any symptoms, can go unnoticed for years. However, this dormant infection can become active and cause illness if your immune system deteriorates.

Symptoms of Tuberculosis

• Fever

• Feeling chills

• Reduced appetite

• Nighttime sweating

• Chest discomfort or pain

• Unintentional weight loss

• Coughing up mucus or blood

• Ongoing tiredness or weakness

• Persistent cough lasting over two weeks

Types:

• Hepatitis, causing inflammation of the liver

• Scrofula, swollen lymph nodes in the neck

• Addison’s disease affecting the adrenal glands

• Pott’s disease (spinal or vertebral tuberculosis)

• Meningitis, which is inflammation of the brain’s protective lining