Which of the following is not part of the four cardinal signs and symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis?
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The disease is spread through the air when a person with active TB coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings.
There are four cardinal signs and symptoms of pulmonary TB, which are:
1. Cough
A persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks is a key symptom of pulmonary TB. This cough may produce phlegm, which can be clear, white, yellow, or green.
2. Fever
Many people with TB experience fever, which may be low-grade and occur in the evening.
3. Night Sweats
Night sweats are another common symptom of pulmonary TB. These sweats can be so severe that they soak the person's clothing and bedding.
4. Weight Loss
Unexplained weight loss is a hallmark of pulmonary TB. This is due to the body's inability to properly absorb nutrients due to the infection.
Therefore, any option that is not related to cough, fever, night sweats, or weight loss is not part of the four cardinal signs and symptoms of pulmonary TB.
It's important to note that these symptoms are not exclusive to pulmonary TB and can also be caused by other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's essential to consult a healthcare professional for proper diagnosis and treatment.
