what are symptoms of TB on physical examination
On physical examination, symptoms of tuberculosis (TB) may include:
1. Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for more than 2-3 weeks and does not improve with usual treatment, often accompanied by sputum production.
2. Chest pain: Pain or discomfort in the chest, especially while coughing or breathing deeply.
3. Shortness of breath: Difficulty in breathing, especially during physical exertion.
4. Fever: Low-grade fever, usually in the afternoon or evening, often accompanied by night sweats.
5. Fatigue: Feeling tired or weak, even after getting enough rest.
6. Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss, often accompanied by decreased appetite.
7. Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes, especially in the neck, armpit, or groin regions.
8. Clubbing of fingers: Bulbous swelling of the fingertips, a rare finding in long-standing and severe TB cases.
9. Crackles or abnormal breath sounds: Abnormal lung sounds heard on auscultation using a stethoscope.
10. Pleural effusion: Fluid accumulation in the space between the lung and chest wall, leading to shortness of breath and dullness on chest percussion.
It's important to note that many of these symptoms can be present in various other respiratory conditions, and a definitive diagnosis of TB is made through several diagnostic tests, such as sputum examination, chest X-ray, and tuberculin skin test.