BCSE Practice Exam 2025 – Complete Study Resource

Tuberculosis (TB) in children often presents with specific symptoms that are indicative of the infection's impact on the body. One commonly associated symptom is joint swelling, which can occur as a part of extrapulmonary tuberculosis, where the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria affect areas outside the lungs, including bones and joints.

In children, TB can lead to conditions such as tuberculosis arthritis or osteomyelitis, which result in inflammation and swelling of joints. These manifestations can be more challenging to diagnose in children since they may not exhibit the classic symptoms of pulmonary TB, such as a persistent cough.

Understanding the signs and symptoms of TB in children is crucial for timely diagnosis and treatment, as early intervention can significantly improve outcomes. The other symptoms listed, including weight gain, frequent headaches, and skin rashes, are not typically found as core symptoms associated with TB in children. Instead, substantial weight loss, persistent fever, and respiratory issues tend to be more relevant.