Symptoms of TB or tuberculosis needs to be watched out for. Diseases that attack the respiratory tract can develop into serious and fatal. Data from the World Health Organization (WHO) states that around 1.4 million people in the world died from TB in 2019.
TB can also happen to anyone, regardless of age. In 2019, WHO estimates that 10 million people will develop tuberculosis (TB) worldwide. 5.6 million men, 3.2 million women and 1.2 million children. So, what are the symptoms of TB to watch out for?
TB is caused by bacteria Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which can live in the body without causing symptoms. If no symptoms are experienced, a person is said to have latent TB, because the bacteria that cause this disease seem to be “sleeping” in the lungs.
Then, when the immune system decreases, the bacteria that cause TB will develop to become active and cause symptoms. Here are the symptoms of TB to watch out for:
1. Cough for more than 2 weeks
Cough is a characteristic symptom of many diseases of the respiratory tract, including tuberculosis. These symptoms occur due to infection that interferes with smooth breathing. TB infection in the lungs can cause increased mucus production, which triggers coughing up phlegm.
However, in some cases, there are also those that do not trigger an increase in mucus production and make people with TB experience a dry cough. In severe conditions, the coughing experienced can also be accompanied by bleeding.
2. Shortness of breath
Bacterial infection that causes tuberculosis in the lungs can cause inflammation that increases mucus production, as well as the buildup of dead cells in the lungs due to bacterial attack.
This condition can block the entry and exit of air into the lungs, making people with TB experience shortness of breath or difficulty breathing smoothly.
3. Fever
Fever can occur because the immune system is reacting against the TB bacterial infection, especially in the early stages of active infection. Fever experienced generally disappears and recurs in some time, and can be felt in more than 3 weeks.
4. Night sweats
Do you often sweat at night and are accompanied by the symptoms mentioned above? It could be a symptom of TB. People with TB can also experience weakness and pain in muscles and joints.
5. Drastic Weight Loss
This is actually an indirect effect. This is because the four symptoms of TB have made the sufferer not have an appetite. A persistent cough also makes it difficult for people with TB to swallow food.
What’s more, drugs for TB have side effects in the form of digestive problems, appetite disturbances, and decreased metabolism. As a result, you lose weight drastically, due to a lack of nutrition.
That’s the symptom TBC that need to be watched out for. Immediately do a TB examination to the doctor if you have a cough that does not go away after 2 weeks, accompanied by fever, night sweats, and drastic weight loss.
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