We all get cough from time to time, and most of us do not think about them twice. But what if that cough will not just go away? Can it be a simple allergy, or is it something more severe like tuberculosis (TB)? Although it is easy to ignore a dull cough as a seasonal irritation, to note how long it lasts and is important with other symptoms. If your cough has been over two weeks – especially if it comes with fever, night sweat, or blood in your spit – it can be a sign of TB. However, if it is a dry cough without fever and is triggered by environmental factors, allergies are more likely. Is the best way to ensure? Get a proper diagnosis through laboratory tests.

What is tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis Mycobacterium is a bacterial disease caused by tuberculosis, which mainly affects the lungs but is capable of spreading to other organs. One of the early and most common symptoms of TB is persistent cough lasting up to two weeks. Unlike an allergic cough, a TB-related cough is usually accompanied by night sweat, weight loss, fever and fatigue. In severe cases, the patient can cough the blood, a condition known as hemoptitis, a strong indicator of tuberculosis. Since TB is a communicable disease, initial diagnosis and treatment is necessary to prevent its spread.

Dr. Neeraj Gupta, Associate Director – Pulmonology, Respiratory Critical Care and Sleep Medicine, Max Hospital Gurugram, explains, “Tuberculosis is a serious condition that requires immediate medical intervention.

Allergic cough

Unlike TB, allergic cough is not caused by bacteria or viruses, but is from a highly active immune response for allergies such as dust, pollen, pet danders, or mold. People with allergies often experience additional symptoms such as repeated sneezing, nasal congestion, and a scratch throat with their cough. Allergic cough is usually dry, does not produce mucus or blood, and is not associated with fever, lethargy or weight loss. These symptoms can be triggered by exposure to seasonal allergies or specific allergies, which often improve with antihistamines or allergen.

Dr. “Allergy cough is usually triggered by environmental factors and when the altergen is removed or when an antihistamine is taken, the improvement occurs. Unlike TB, unlike TB, they are not contagious and do not come with systemic symptoms such as fever or weight loss,” explains.

Major differences between TB and allergic cough

TB-associated cough is usually wet or mucus-produced and can occur with fever and blood-collapsing spit. Conversely, an allergy cough is usually dry and does not come up with systemic symptoms.

Dr. Gupta advised, “A significant difference is the duration of cough. If it persists for more than two weeks and is with fever, night sweat, or blood in the spit, the TB should be dismissed immediately. Allergies are raised in the allergy, depending on the allergies.

When to see the doctor

If your cough persists for more than two weeks, it is necessary to consult a doctor, especially if you experience additional symptoms such as fever, night sweat, weight loss, or blood-dormant spit. These can be a sign of serious disease like tuberculosis. However, if your cough is triggered by environmental allergies and improves with antihistamines, it is more likely to be an allergy.

Dr. Gupta warned, “Never ignore a persistent cough.” “While allergies can be managed with lifestyle changes and medicines, TB requires immediate medical intervention. Initial diagnosis is important to prevent effective treatment and complications.”

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