How do I know if my cough is due to tuberculosis (TB)?

By Rebecca L. Castillo, MD

Answer:
A cough from TB typically lasts more than 2 weeks, often accompanied by:

  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Low-grade fever
  • Loss of appetite
  • Fatigue

TB is curable but requires proper diagnosis through chest X-ray and sputum testing. Anyone with a long-standing cough—especially those who live or work in crowded places—should get screened at their nearest health center.

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