What symptom can indicate tuberculosis infection?

A persistent cough with mucus is a classic symptom associated with tuberculosis (TB) infection. This symptom arises because TB primarily affects the lungs, leading to inflammation and the production of mucus as the body attempts to clear the infection. The cough may be dry initially and may progress to become persistent, producing mucus or blood over time. This characteristic distinguishes it from general respiratory infections or other conditions that might cause cough, as the duration and nature of the cough in tuberculosis can indicate a more serious underlying issue.

Other symptoms might vary widely or be indicative of different health conditions, which is why they are not as strongly associated with tuberculosis. Constant abdominal pain, severe leg cramps, and high fever without chills could arise from a variety of other illnesses but do not have the same specific link to TB as a persistent cough with mucus does.