Does early-stage pulmonary tuberculosis cause fever?

Written by Wang Chun Mei
Pulmonology
Updated on December 17, 2024
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Early stage tuberculosis patients generally exhibit clinical symptoms such as fever, primarily low-grade fever in the afternoon, along with coughing, hemoptysis, chest pain, chest tightness, and additional symptoms like weight loss, fatigue, and night sweats. These are very common and typical clinical symptoms of tuberculosis. Therefore, fever is very common in the early stages of tuberculosis. Consequently, once tuberculosis is accurately diagnosed in patients, it is crucial to promptly administer antitubercular drugs for systematic treatment. Usually, with a treatment duration of 6-9 months, the symptoms of early-stage tuberculosis and fever can be effectively controlled.

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Does the BCG vaccine prevent tuberculosis?

The BCG vaccine primarily prevents infection by the tuberculosis bacillus, so it can prevent pulmonary tuberculosis. The protective effect of the BCG vaccine is mainly achieved through inducing a cell-mediated immune response. After vaccination, a primary infection is formed, which is processed by macrophages that transmit the antigen information to immune-active cells, leading to the differentiation and proliferation of T cells and the formation of sensitized lymphocytes. When the body is re-infected with the tuberculosis bacillus, the macrophages and sensitized lymphocytes are activated, causing a specific immune response in the body, thereby resisting the infection by the tuberculosis bacillus. Therefore, the BCG vaccine mainly prevents pulmonary tuberculosis.

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Is tuberculosis contagious?

Not all cases of tuberculosis are infectious. Some tuberculosis cases are infectious in the early stages but become non-infectious after proper treatment. Patients with open tuberculosis are highly contagious because their sputum contains tuberculosis bacilli. These bacilli can be released into the air through coughing, sneezing, laughing, or loud speaking, and can cause infection when inhaled by others. Some tuberculosis patients do not have detectable bacilli in their sputum, and their infectiousness is relatively much lower.

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Can tuberculosis be cured?

Early diagnosis and standard treatment can often cure tuberculosis. Tuberculosis requires anti-tuberculosis treatment. Effective anti-tuberculosis treatment must follow five principles: early intervention, proper dosage, combination therapy, regular administration, and full-course treatment to ensure thorough treatment. Consistency is crucial; one must not stop taking medication, substitute drugs, or alter dosages on their own, as doing so not only makes it difficult to cure the disease but also increases the risk of developing drug resistance and complicates treatment further. Additionally, it is important to supplement nutrition appropriately and maintain a healthy diet in daily life. Since tuberculosis is a chronic, debilitating disease, it is advisable to consume foods rich in calories, proteins, and vitamins. Ensuring adequate rest and sleep is vital. Engaging in moderate physical activities, such as outdoor exercises, while avoiding strenuous activities and factors that could exacerbate conditions, such as overexertion, exposure to cold, and catching a cold, is also important.

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Does tuberculosis cause a runny nose?

Do patients with tuberculosis have a runny nose? First, we need to understand what tuberculosis is. The pathogen of tuberculosis is Mycobacterium tuberculosis, commonly referred to as TB bacillus. Its primary site of infection is the lungs, but now we also classify and manage tracheobronchial and tuberculous pleurisy under pulmonary tuberculosis. However, these sites do not include the nasal part. Generally, patients with pulmonary tuberculosis show symptoms of the respiratory system and systemic symptoms. The most common respiratory symptoms include coughing and phlegm production for more than two weeks. Some patients may also experience hemoptysis, with varying amounts from mild to severe. A few patients may also experience chest pain. Additionally, patients with caseous pneumonia or significant pleural effusion may experience difficulty in breathing. Systemic symptoms of tuberculosis include fever, mainly characterized by afternoon tidal fever, with some patients exhibiting high fevers, and other general symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue. However, the majority of patients with pulmonary tuberculosis do not exhibit nasal symptoms, meaning a runny nose is generally not a manifestation of tuberculosis. It could be possible that a tuberculosis patient might also have other infections or causative diseases, such as allergic rhinitis.

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Symptoms of tuberculosis

Tuberculosis of the lung presents in many forms, as there are also various types of pulmonary tuberculosis, each exhibiting different symptoms. However, the most common symptoms primarily include coughing and expectoration, which are the most typical manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis. The cough in pulmonary tuberculosis is generally mild, either dry or producing only a small amount of phlegm. If the tuberculosis is accompanied by cavities, the amount of phlegm may be larger. If there is a bacterial infection in addition to the tuberculosis, the phlegm may become purulent. Some patients with pulmonary tuberculosis may also experience hemoptysis, which can vary in amount from light to severe. A small number of patients may suffer from chest pain and difficulty breathing. Additionally, there are systemic symptoms associated with pulmonary tuberculosis, such as fever (both low and high fever may occur), night sweats, and fatigue, among others.