Early Symptoms of Tuberculosis – When to See a Doctor
Tuberculosis (TB) isn’t a disease of the past—it’s still one of India’s most common and dangerous infections. Every year, thousands of Delhi residents ignore persistent coughs and mild fevers, mistaking them for seasonal infections.
Dr. Bobby Bhalotra, Senior Consultant Pulmonologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, has treated hundreds of patients who came late in their TB journey — sometimes after months of ineffective antibiotics. If you recognize the symptoms below, book a consultation immediately. Early detection saves lungs — and lives.
Understanding Tuberculosis
TB is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which mainly affects the lungs but can also attack the brain, spine, or kidneys. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Despite this, TB is 100% curable when diagnosed early and treated correctly.
Early Symptoms of Tuberculosis
1. Persistent Cough for More Than Two Weeks
The most common and often ignored symptom. If you’ve been coughing for over 14 days with no relief from routine medicines, get evaluated. A simple sputum test can confirm TB.
2. Fever and Chills — Especially at Night
Low-grade evening fever or night sweats are classic TB clues. Patients often describe waking up with a damp pillow or bedsheet.
3. Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue
If you’re losing weight without dieting and feel tired even after adequate sleep, it may be the body’s response to ongoing infection.
4. Chest Pain or Shortness of Breath
As infection progresses, inflammation in the lungs can cause pain on deep breathing or during coughing.
5. Loss of Appetite and Mild Anemia
The body’s fight against infection reduces nutrient absorption, leading to poor appetite and paleness.
Why Early Detection Matters
TB bacteria multiply rapidly. Delaying treatment not only damages your lungs but also puts family and co-workers at risk.
According to WHO, each untreated TB patient can infect 10–15 people a year.
Early diagnosis means:
- Shorter treatment duration
- Fewer complications
- Lower chance of drug resistance
- Faster return to normal life
How Dr. Bhalotra Diagnoses Tuberculosis
At Sir Ganga Ram Hospital’s Pulmonology Department, Dr. Bhalotra follows global protocols:
- 1. Sputum Microscopy & Culture: Confirms the presence of TB bacteria.
- 2. GeneXpert Test: Detects bacteria and drug resistance within hours.
- 3. Chest X-Ray or CT Scan: Shows lung damage and infection extent.
- 4. Blood Markers: Checks immune response and overall health.
- 5. Clinical Evaluation: Symptom review and medical history analysis.
Treatment & Recovery
- Medication: Standard six-month multi-drug regimen under direct supervision.
- Follow-ups: Regular visits to monitor progress and adjust dosage.
- Nutrition Support: High-protein, vitamin-rich diet to restore strength.
- Lung Rehabilitation: Exercises and breathing techniques post-recovery.
When to See a Doctor
Seek a TB specialist immediately if:
- Your cough lasts > 3 weeks
- You feel feverish every evening
- You’ve lost weight without trying
- You live or work with a TB patient
About Dr. Bobby Bhalotra
Dr. Bhalotra is a Senior Consultant Pulmonologist at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Delhi NCR, with over 20 years of experience in treating TB, asthma, and complex respiratory diseases. He combines clinical expertise with modern diagnostics for precision care.
Tuberculosis is curable — but only if diagnosed early and treated completely. Don’t ignore a lingering cough or unexplained fever.
- 📍 Visit Dr. Bobby Bhalotra at Sir Ganga Ram Hospital, Old Rajinder Nagar, New Delhi – 110060
- 📞 Call +91-9818355363 to book your appointment.