7 Early Signs of Tuberculosis You Shouldn’t Ignore – Insights from the Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease that occurs when the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis is found primarily in the lungs. While TB can be treated and is curable, it is still dangerous if it goes undetected. Early signs of tuberculosis can be missed as it usually manifests like the usual common cold and other minor respiratory infections.

According to Pulmonologists in Chhattisgarh, early detection of TB is essential to avoid complications and prevent its spread. This article discusses the 7 early signs of tuberculosis that you should not ignore, along with expert insights from the Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh on when to seek medical attention.

1. Persistent Cough Lasting More Than Three Weeks

A cough that lasts for more than three weeks is among the earliest and most common manifestations of tuberculosis. Unlike a simple cold or flu, which most people recover from within a week or two, a cough from TB:

✅ Begins as mild but increases in severity.

✅ Begins as dry and later becomes mucus or streaked with blood.

✅ Can occur throughout the day as well as night.

Why TB Triggers Persistent Coughing?

Tuberculosis damages lung tissues, triggering inflammation that constantly irritates and urges coughing persistently.

When to Visit a Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh?

You must seek consultation from a Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh if your cough doesn't subside even after using medicines or when there's a sign of persistent cough that is indicative of tuberculosis infection.

2. Unintentional Weight Loss

It can be an alarming sign of tuberculosis when a person loses weight without dieting or increased physical activity. TB triggers chronic inflammation and affects metabolism, resulting in the following:

✅ Loss of appetite and reduced food intake.

✅ Increased calorie burning because of the constant fight of the body against infection.

✅ Gradual muscle wasting and weakness.

How Much Weight Loss is Concerning?

If you suddenly lose more than 5–10% of your body weight in a short period, it could be TB and should be treated immediately.

3. Night Sweats and Chills

Many patients with tuberculosis experience excessive night sweats. They wake up drenched in sweat even if the room is cool. This symptom is caused by:

✅ The body's immune response to TB bacteria, which release inflammatory chemicals that increase body temperature.

✅ The infection causes interference with the normal regulation of body temperature, leading to cyclical fever and sweating.

Other Symptoms Associated with Night Sweats

Chill and shivering fits.

Tiredness and general body weakness.

Mild but persistent fever.

Should You Worry?

If night sweats occur repeatedly and without any apparent cause, consult a Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh for proper TB diagnosis.

4. Chest Pain and Shortness of Breath

In the advanced stages of tuberculosis, chest pain and shortness of breath may arise due to:

✅ Inflammation of lung tissues.

✅ Fluid buildup (pleural effusion) around the lungs.

✅ Scarring of lung tissues, restricting airflow.

How Does Chest Pain Due to TB Feel?

A sharp, stabbing pain that worsens with deep breathing or coughing.

Tightness in the chest, making it hard to breathe comfortably.

Discomfort in the rib cage area due to pleurisy (lung lining inflammation).

When to Seek Medical Help?

Any persistent or worsening chest pain should be assessed by a Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh to exclude tuberculosis and other lung diseases.

5. Fatigue and Continuous Weakness

Although TB predominantly involves the lungs, it may cause systemic weakness due to the following reasons:

✅ Immune system continues to fight off the infection.

✅ Lower oxygen supply to the body from the inflamed lungs.

✅ Loss of appetite and malnutrition, leading to energy drain.

Common Symptoms of TB-Induced Fatigue

Tiredness without any apparent reason even after rest.

Difficulty in performing daily tasks and concentrating.

Sudden bouts of dizziness and weakness.

If the above symptoms persist and are unexplained, then visit a Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh for proper assessment.

6. Recurring Fever

TB is commonly accompanied by low-grade fever that:

✅ Flares up and subsides, usually at night.

✅ Is accompanied by body aches and chills.

✅ Persists for weeks or months without any obvious cause.

How Does TB Fever Differ from Normal Fever?

Unlike fevers caused by flu or viral infections, TB-related fever:

Is mild to moderate (usually below 102°F).

Persists longer than usual fevers and is resistant to common medications.

Is often associated with night sweats and weight loss.

A persistent fever should not be ignored—consult the Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh for a TB test.

7. Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis)

In advanced tuberculosis cases, patients may start coughing up blood due to:

✅ Severe lung tissue damage caused by TB bacteria.

✅ Rupture of small blood vessels in the lungs.

✅ Increased inflammation leading to bronchial bleeding.

How Much Blood is Concerning?

Small blood streaks in sputum may appear in early TB.

Larger amounts of blood indicate severe lung damage and require immediate emergency care.

Emergency Warning Signs

Hemoptysis more than a teaspoonful at a time.

Acute onset of shortness of breath or choking with blood.

Dizziness, pallor, or tachycardia.

Conclusion

In case of hemoptysis, visit a Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh for immediate medical treatment.

Tuberculosis is a serious but treatable disease if diagnosed early. If you have persistent cough, weight loss, night sweats, chest pain, fatigue, or fever, you must seek the services of the Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh for proper screening and diagnosis.

With the advent of detection and treatment, TB is very well managed, and most complications and transmission are prevented. Vidya Hospital is known as the Best Pulmonologist in Chhattisgarh; with its expert diagnosis of TB and advanced treatment plans and comprehensive lung care, patients get the best possible health results.

Don't ignore the signs—see a doctor today!