- In addition to the early, general signs and symptoms, the most important sign of pulmonary tuberculosis is a persistent, cough lasting 3 weeks or more. The cough may be dry or productive. Shortness of breath, fast breathing and chest pain (usually older children) may also be present. Unlike adults, blood stained sputum is uncommon in children with pulmonary tuberculosis.
- The enlarged hilar nodes may press on a bronchus causing wheezing, coughing or stridor. The wheeze does not respond to inhaled bronchodilators.
A persistent cough lasting longer than 3 weeks is an important symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.