Julie Hambleton

Julie Hambleton

January 8, 2025

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What are the symptoms of TB? 

Doctor checking examining chest x-ray film of patient at ward hospital.
Source: Shutterstock

The symptoms of TB can vary depending on where the infection is located in your body. If you have pulmonary TB (the most common form), you may experience coughing up blood or sputum (phlegm), chest pain, fever, night sweats and weight loss. If you have extrapulmonary TB (infection outside of your lungs), then symptoms will depend on which organ is affected. If you have TB in your bones or joints, you may experience pain and swelling. If you have TB in your lymph nodes, then they will be enlarged and tender. If you have TB in your kidneys, then they may not work properly and you could develop kidney failure. If you have TB in your brain or spinal cord, then symptoms can include headaches, seizures and paralysis.