Tuberculosis (TB): symptoms, causes & treatment in Nigeria
Also known as TB, chronic cough disease.
This page is general health information, not a diagnosis. Always consult a licensed clinician about your own health.
Overview
Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that usually attacks the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs. Nigeria carries one of the highest TB burdens in the world, yet diagnosis and the full six-month treatment are free at government-designated centres. Any cough lasting two weeks or more should be tested.
Symptoms
Cough lasting two weeks or more
Coughing up blood
Night sweats
Fever, especially in the evenings
Unintentional weight loss
Loss of appetite
Chest pain
Causes & risk factors
Inhaling bacteria from an infectious person's cough
Living in crowded or poorly ventilated housing
Weakened immunity, especially HIV
Malnutrition, diabetes or heavy smoking
Treatment & self-care
TB is cured with a standardised course of antibiotics taken daily for at least six months — stopping early breeds drug resistance, which is far harder to treat. Treatment and testing are free at DOTS centres nationwide. Good nutrition, ventilation and screening household contacts complete the care.
See a doctor urgently if
Cough lasting more than two weeks
Coughing up blood
Night sweats with weight loss
Close contact with someone diagnosed with TB
TB symptoms in someone living with HIV
Frequently asked questions
What are the first signs of Tuberculosis (TB)?
Early signs often include cough lasting two weeks or more, coughing up blood, night sweats. Symptoms vary from person to person, so a proper assessment by a doctor is the only way to be sure.
Can Tuberculosis (TB) be treated?
TB is cured with a standardised course of antibiotics taken daily for at least six months — stopping early breeds drug resistance, which is far harder to treat. Treatment and testing are free at DOTS centres nationwide. Good nutrition, ventilation and screening household contacts complete the care.
When should I see a doctor about Tuberculosis (TB)?
See a doctor promptly if you notice: cough lasting more than two weeks; coughing up blood; night sweats with weight loss; close contact with someone diagnosed with tb; tb symptoms in someone living with hiv.