tuberculosis infection usually occurs initially in the upper part (lobe) of the lungs. the body's immune system however can stop the bacteria from continuing to reproduce. thus the immune system can make the lung infection inactive (dormant). on the other hand if the body's immune system cannot contain the tb bacteria the bacteria will reproduce (become active or reactivate) in the lungs and spread elsewhere in the body. it may take many months from the time the infection initially gets into the lungs until symptoms develop. the usual symptoms that occur with an active tb infection are a generalized tiredness or weakness weight loss fever and night sweats. if the infection in the lungs worsens then further symptoms can include coughing chest pain coughing up of sputum (material from the lungs) and/or blood and shortness of breath. if the infection spreads beyond the lungs the symptoms will depend upon the organs involved.
what are the symptoms of tuberculosis?