Symptoms of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is an infection that usually affects the lungs. It can be treated with antibiotics but can be serious if not treated. There's a vaccine that helps protect some people who are at risk from TB.

Check if you have tuberculosis (TB)

Symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) usually come on gradually.

Common symptoms include:

• a cough that lasts more than 3 weeks – you may cough up mucus (phlegm) or mucus with blood in it
• feeling tired or exhausted
• a high temperature or night sweats
• loss of appetite
• weight loss
• feeling generally unwell

Children may also have difficulty gaining weight or growing.

If TB has spread to another part of your body such as your glands (lymph nodes), bones or brain, you may also have other symptoms, including:

• swollen glands
• body aches and pains
• swollen joints or ankles
• tummy or pelvic pain
• constipation
• dark or cloudy pee
• a headache
• being sick
• feeling confused
• a stiff neck
• a rash on the legs, face or other part of the body

Sometimes you can have TB in your body but have no symptoms.

This is called latent TB.

tuberculosis is caused by dash

tuberculosis is caused by the same type of bacteria as