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Along with persistent cough that may last for several weeks, TB patients also complain of frequent bouts of fever, chills and sweating at night, says Dr Rahul Kendre.
Is your cough refusing to go away?
You have probably tried all kinds of medication and recommendations from health experts but nothing seems get rid of it.
That annoying cough has most likely started affecting your sleep, work and eating patterns.
If you have a cough that has lasted for over eight weeks, you shouldn't ignore it; it could be a warning sign of tuberculosis.
However, a lingering cough is not the only sign; tuberculosis patients also complain of frequent bouts of fever, chills and sweating at night.
So how does one distinguish what could be a TB cough from regular coughing?
Do not ignore the following symptoms:
1. Cough with sputum expectoration: In cases of TB, the cough may produce sputum.
2. Chest pain: You may experience pain or discomfort in the chest if you have TB.
3. Coughing up blood: Haemoptysis, or coughing up blood, is a warning sign that you could have TB.
4. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite shouldn’t be ignored.
5. Fatigue: Along with the cough, you may experience persistent fatigue and weakness.
6. Fever: TB patients also complain of low-grade fever, especially in the evening.
7. Night sweats: If you sweat profusely, particularly at night, it could be a potential sign of TB.
8. Chills: Along with fever, TB patients may also complain of episodes of sudden chills and sweating.
9. Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing and shortness of breath is also common.
It's important to note that while TB primarily affects the lungs, it can also affect other parts of the body; accordingly, symptoms may vary.
Apart from TB, chronic cough can also be due to allergy, viral and pollution-related bronchitis.
Pollution-induced cough may present with throat irritation while a viral infection often includes additional symptoms like fever, body aches and respiratory distress.
If the cough persists or worsens, do consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation.
How to verify if you have TB
Testing for tuberculosis typically involves the following methods:
1. Tuberculin Skin Test
Also known as the Mantoux test, this involves injecting a small amount of tuberculin (a protein derived from the TB bacterium) under the skin.
A healthcare provider will check for a delayed hypersensitivity reaction at the injection site within 48 to 72 hours.
2. Blood Tests (Interferon-Gamma Release Assays -- IGRA)
Blood tests, such as the QuantiFERON-TB Gold test, detect the release of interferon-gamma in response to TB antigens. They are an alternative to the tuberculin skin test.
Tuberculin and TB Gold tests can also detect a latent infection so a doctor needs to corelate it with the clinical signs exhibited by a patient.
3. Chest X-ray
A chest X-ray may be performed to check for abnormalities in the lungs, such as the presence of TB-related lesions or cavities.
4. Sputum examination
This involves collecting a sample of sputum (mucus coughed up from the lungs) and testing it for TB bacteria with ZN stain or by culturing it to identify the TB bacteria. This is a definitive test for TB.
5. Gene pert test
This molecular test detects the DNA of the TB bacteria and can provide rapid results, including information about drug resistance.
6. Bronchoscopy
In some cases, a pulmonologist may use a bronchoscope to directly examine the airways and collect samples for testing.
It's crucial to consult with a healthcare professional for appropriate testing.
If someone is experiencing symptoms or has been in close contact with a person diagnosed with TB, prompt testing and diagnosis are important for early treatment and preventing the spread of the disease.
To reduce the risk of tuberculosis, you may follow these preventive measures:
1. Vaccination
Ensure you receive the Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine.
2. Avoid exposure
Limit contact with individuals known to have active TB, especially in crowded or enclosed environments.
3. Good hygiene
Practise regular hand washing, especially after being in public places, to reduce the spread of germs.
4. A healthy lifestyle
Maintain a strong immune system through a balanced diet, regular exercise and adequate sleep.
5. Ventilation
Ensure good ventilation in living and working spaces as TB bacteria thrive in poorly ventilated areas.
6. Prompt medical attention
If you experience symptoms like persistent cough, fever and weight loss, seek medical advice promptly for early detection and treatment.
What you can do for early recovery from tuberculosis:
1. Take the prescribed medication
Follow your doctor's instructions for TB medications diligently.
2. Finish the entire course
Complete the full course of antibiotics even if you start feeling better.
3. Rest and nutrition
Get plenty of rest and consume a well-balanced diet to support your immune system and recovery.
4. Isolation during the infectious period
Stay isolated until your doctor confirms you are no longer contagious.
5. Follow-up appointments
Attend all scheduled follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and adjust treatment if necessary.
What TB patients must avoid
1. Do not skip medication
Avoid missing any doses of your prescribed medications as this can contribute to treatment failure and drug resistance.
2. Do not self-medicate
Do not alter the prescribed dosage.
Do not discontinue taking medications without consulting your doctor.
3. Do not resume normal activities too quickly
Allow your body sufficient time to recover before resuming regular activities or returning to work/school.
4. Do not neglect nutrition
Avoid poor dietary habits; ensure you're eating nutritious food to support your recovery.
5. Do not ignore symptoms
If you experience any adverse reactions or new symptoms, report them to your healthcare provider promptly.
Always follow your healthcare provider's advice so that you can recover completely from the disease.
Dr Rahul Kendre is a lung transplant physician and interventional pulmonologist, DPU Private Super Specialty Hospital, Pune.
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