We all get coughs from time to time, and most of us don’t think twice about them. But what if that nagging cough just won’t go away? Could it be a simple allergy, or is it something more serious like tuberculosis (TB)? While it’s easy to ignore a lingering cough as a seasonal irritation, paying attention to how long it lasts and what other symptoms accompany it is crucial. If your cough has been around for more than two weeks—especially if it comes with fever, night sweats, or blood in your sputum—it could be a sign of TB. However, if it's a dry cough without fever and seems triggered by environmental factors, allergies are a more likely cause. The best way to be sure? Get a proper diagnosis through lab tests.

What Is Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a bacterial disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but capable of spreading to other organs. One of the earliest and most common symptoms of TB is a persistent cough lasting over two weeks. Unlike an allergic cough, a TB-related cough is usually accompanied by night sweats, weight loss, fever, and fatigue. In severe cases, the patient may cough up blood, a condition known as hemoptysis, which is a strong indicator of tuberculosis. Since TB is a communicable disease, early diagnosis and treatment are essential 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. The presence of symptoms such as a persistent cough, weight loss, fever, and night sweats should prompt an individual to seek medical attention. Early diagnosis and a complete course of treatment are crucial to preventing complications and transmission."

Allergic Cough

Unlike TB, allergic coughs are not caused by bacteria or viruses but by an overactive immune response to allergens such as dust, pollen, pet dander, or mould. People with allergies often experience additional symptoms like frequent sneezing, nasal congestion, and a scratchy throat along with their cough. Allergic cough is typically dry, does not produce mucus or blood, and is not associated with fever, lethargy, or weight loss. Seasonal allergies or exposure to specific allergens can trigger these symptoms, which often improve with antihistamines or by avoiding the allergen.

Dr Gupta explains, "Allergic coughs are typically triggered by environmental factors and improve when the allergen is removed or when antihistamines are taken. Unlike TB, they are not infectious and do not come with systemic symptoms like fever or weight loss."

Key Differences Between TB and Allergic Cough

A cough associated with TB is typically wet or mucus-producing and may be accompanied by fever and blood-streaked sputum. In contrast, an allergic cough is usually dry and does not come with systemic symptoms.

Dr Gupta advises, "A crucial difference is the duration of the cough. If it persists for more than two weeks and is accompanied by fever, night sweats, or blood in the sputum, TB should be ruled out immediately. Allergic coughs tend to fluctuate based on allergen exposure and respond well to antihistamines."

When to See a Doctor

If your cough persists for more than two weeks, it is essential to consult a doctor, particularly if you experience additional symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or blood-streaked sputum. These could be warning signs of a serious illness like tuberculosis. However, if your cough is triggered by environmental allergens and improves with antihistamines, it is more likely to be an allergy.

"Never ignore a persistent cough," warns Dr Gupta. "While allergies can be managed with lifestyle changes and medications, TB requires immediate medical intervention. Early diagnosis is key to effective treatment and preventing complications."

Get Latest News Live on Times Now along with Breaking News and Top Headlines from Health and around the world.