MedDroidTB vs Pneumonia
TB vs pneumonia: differences in symptoms, tests and treatment
Written & medically reviewed by Dr. Sanjay Anbu, MBBS · Last reviewed
Medically reviewedTuberculosis (TB) is a slow, long-lasting lung infection that typically causes a cough for more than two weeks, evening fever, night sweats and weight loss. Pneumonia usually comes on over a few days with higher fever, breathlessness and chest pain, and most cases improve with a short course of treatment. In India, any cough lasting more than two weeks should be tested for TB, and testing and treatment are free at government health centres.
Side-by-side comparison
| Feature | TB | Pneumonia |
|---|---|---|
| Cause | Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, spread through the air when a person with lung TB coughs; higher risk with diabetes, HIV, malnutrition, smoking | Bacteria (often pneumococcus), viruses or fungi infecting the lung air sacs; often follows a cold or flu |
| Typical symptoms | Cough for more than 2 weeks, sometimes with blood; evening fever, night sweats, weight loss, loss of appetite, tiredness | Cough with phlegm, high fever, chills, fast or difficult breathing, chest pain when breathing |
| Onset & timing | Gradual, over weeks to months | Over a few days |
| Key tests | Sputum tests (molecular tests such as CBNAAT/TrueNat, smear microscopy), chest X-ray; HIV and sugar testing are usually offered | Chest examination, chest X-ray, oxygen level, CBC, CRP; sputum test in some cases |
| Treatment approach | A combination of TB medicines for at least 6 months, free under the National TB Elimination Programme; the full course must be completed | Antibiotics if bacterial, rest and fluids; hospital care and oxygen if severe |
| Danger signs | Coughing up a lot of blood, severe breathlessness, confusion, severe weight loss | Low oxygen, confusion, bluish lips, very fast breathing |
General patterns only. Symptoms overlap and vary from person to person. On a phone, scroll the table sideways to see both columns.
How doctors tell them apart
- Duration: a cough with fever lasting weeks, plus weight loss and night sweats, points to TB.
- Sputum tests confirm TB; molecular tests can also show resistance to key medicines.
- Chest X-ray patterns can differ, but X-ray alone cannot confirm TB.
- "Pneumonia" that does not improve with antibiotics should be tested for TB.
- Both can occur in the same person, especially with diabetes or HIV.
See a doctor urgently if
- Coughing up blood
- Breathlessness at rest or fast breathing
- Oxygen reading below about 94%, or as your doctor advised
- Confusion, bluish lips or chest pain when breathing
- Cough lasting more than 2 weeks, with weight loss or night sweats: get tested for TB
In an emergency, call your local emergency number (in India: 108 or 112).
Frequently asked questions
Is TB curable?
Yes. TB is curable when the full course of medicines is taken as prescribed. Stopping early can cause drug-resistant TB, which is harder to treat.
Is TB contagious like pneumonia?
Lung TB spreads through the air. Infectiousness falls considerably after effective treatment starts; your doctor will advise on precautions at home.
Can pneumonia turn into TB?
No. They are caused by different germs. But TB is sometimes first mistaken for pneumonia, which is why a cough that does not improve should be tested.
Where can I get tested for TB for free?
Government health centres and hospitals in India offer free TB testing and treatment under the National TB Elimination Programme, including nutrition support for patients.
Related pages
Conditions
Symptoms
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Not a diagnosis. This page gives general health information to help you talk to a doctor; it is not medical advice and does not replace an examination or tests. Do not start, stop or change any medicine without a qualified clinician. MedDroid is an AI medical assistant and can make mistakes. In an emergency, call your local emergency number (in India: 108 or 112).