New Delhi, March 24 (SocialNews.XYZ) Tuberculosis (TB), known for its association with coughing, may often present without this prominent symptom, cautioned experts on Sunday. Emphasizing the importance of recognizing diverse indicators, they urged vigilance in identifying signs such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, and prolonged fever.
Furthermore, advanced stages of TB may be signaled by chest pain, breathing difficulties, and coughing up blood, highlighting the need for prompt medical attention in such cases.
“Vigilance in monitoring for these diverse symptoms is key to early detection and intervention. We must emphasise the importance of seeking medical attention promptly if any of these signs arise, especially in regions with high TB prevalence,” stated Dr Ranganatha R, Head of the Department of Pulmonology and TB Lead at Narayana Health City, Bengaluru, speaking to IANS.
Recent findings from a meta-analysis involving 12 surveys across eight African and four Asian countries revealed that a majority of individuals with pulmonary TB did not report cough, a trend more pronounced among women.
“As clinicians, we have noticed that women often tend to present late and ignore cough or not report it. It is also equally important to note that TB, which does not affect the tissue of the lungs, represents a significant proportion of the disease and will not present with cough,” explained Dr Lancelot Pinto, Consultant Pulmonologist and Epidemiologist at P. D. Hinduja Hospital & MRC, Mahim.
A study published in the Lancet Infectious Diseases underscored that 82.8 per cent of TB cases exhibited no persistent cough, with 62.5 per cent showing no cough at all.
By increasing awareness about the diverse presentations of TB, experts stress the importance of timely diagnosis and treatment in curbing the spread of this infectious disease.
