Who TB Danger Signs?
Tuberculosis (TB) danger signs are symptoms indicating a potentially serious case requiring urgent medical attention. These signs often suggest active TB disease and may warrant immediate treatment, particularly in individuals with weakened immune systems.
Several symptoms can signal active TB disease. The most prominent danger signs include:
- Persistent Cough: A cough lasting three weeks or more is a major warning sign.
- Bloody Cough (Haemoptysis): Coughing up blood warrants immediate medical evaluation.
- Chest Pain: Pain in the chest area can be indicative of lung involvement.
- Shortness of Breath: Difficulty breathing is a serious symptom that needs attention.
- Fever: High fever or persistent low-grade fever.
- Weight Loss: Unexplained and significant weight loss.
- Night Sweats: Drenching night sweats are a significant warning sign.
Additional Considerations:
While the above are primary danger signs, other factors increase the urgency for diagnosis and treatment. These include:
- Severe Illness: Individuals who are severely ill and exhibiting multiple symptoms need immediate evaluation.
- HIV Infection: People living with HIV have a higher risk of developing active TB and more severe disease progression. Symptoms might appear differently or be less obvious. Therefore, prompt medical attention is critical for this population.
- Young Children: Infants and children under five years old are also at higher risk for developing severe TB. Early detection and treatment are vital.
- Contact with a known TB case: Individuals who have had close contact with someone diagnosed with active TB should be screened and monitored closely.
It's crucial to note that not everyone infected with TB bacteria will develop active TB or show these danger signs. Many individuals have latent TB infection, meaning they carry the bacteria but do not show symptoms and are not contagious. However, anyone experiencing multiple or severe symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
