Picture of a woman coughing.Are you searching for a local urgent care practice offering tuberculosis (TB) testing? Entrust your care to the experienced providers at Erlanger ExpressCare. Our Ooltewah, Tennessee, clinic is open seven days a week with extended hours, and you’ll find us conveniently located at 5953 Elementary Way.

What Causes Tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a serious bacterial infection caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Certain individuals have a higher risk of developing tuberculosis, such as those who live or work in a place where residents live close to one another (e.g., a nursing home or prison) as well as those who have traveled to an area where tuberculosis is common.

What Are the Symptoms of Tuberculosis?

Because tuberculosis primarily affects the lungs, it often causes chest pain and coughing. In some cases, the cough produces blood or mucus. Other potential symptoms include:

  • Fever with chills
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue
  • Reduced appetite
  • Unexplained weight loss
  • An overall feeling of being unwell (malaise)

It’s important to note that when tuberculosis is in its middle (latent) stage, it doesn’t produce any symptoms.

If there’s any chance you could have tuberculosis, it’s important that you promptly visit a TB testing clinic. Many strains of tuberculosis can be treated with antibiotics, and a health care provider can prescribe the treatment approach that’s right for your needs. Plus, since tuberculosis can be contagious, a medical provider will be able to recommend precautionary measures to take to avoid infecting those around you.

Offering Walk-In Tuberculosis Testing

If you’re experiencing the tuberculosis symptoms described above, you may be looking to schedule a TB testing appointment. But at Erlanger ExpressCare, we don’t require patients to reserve their spots ahead of time. Instead, you can walk into our Ooltewah, TN, urgent care center at the time that’s most convenient for you. Visit us today to get the answers you need.