Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

Pulmonary Tuberculosis (TB)

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that involves the lungs. It may spread to other organs.

🔍 Causes of Pulmonary TB

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis). TB is contagious, meaning it can spread easily from one person to another through air droplets expelled by coughing or sneezing.

Most people recover from primary TB infection without symptoms. However, the infection can stay dormant and reactivate later. Some individuals may develop symptoms shortly after their initial infection.

👥 Who is at Risk?

People at higher risk of active TB or reactivation include:

• Elderly individuals

• Infants

• Those with weakened immune systems (e.g., HIV/AIDS, chemotherapy, diabetes)

Risk also increases in people who:

• Live in crowded or poor conditions

• Have poor nutrition

• Are exposed to TB during travel

• Encounter drug-resistant TB strains

• Live in areas with rising HIV or homelessness

⚠️ Symptoms of Pulmonary TB

Pulmonary TB often causes no symptoms in its primary stage. When symptoms develop, they may include:

• Persistent cough (often with mucus)

• Coughing up blood

• Night sweats

• Fatigue and fever

• Chest pain and breathlessness

• Weight loss and wheezing

🧪 Examination and Diagnosis

A healthcare provider may detect:

• Clubbing of fingers/toes

• Swollen lymph nodes

• Fluid around the lungs

• Crackling breath sounds

Common diagnostic tests include:

• Sputum exam and culture

• Chest X-ray and CT scan

• Bronchoscopy

• Tuberculin skin test (PPD)

• Interferon-gamma blood tests (e.g., QFT-Gold)

• Thoracentesis

• Tissue biopsy (rarely)

💊 TB Treatment Plan

The goal of treatment is to cure the infection with a combination of medications. Patients typically take multiple medicines for 9 months or more, depending on which are most effective.

It is critical to follow the treatment plan as instructed to avoid drug resistance. In some cases, Directly Observed Therapy (DOT) is used, where a provider monitors the patient taking medication regularly.

📈 Prognosis

Most patients see symptom improvement within 2–3 weeks of starting treatment. Full recovery is highly likely if TB is diagnosed early and treated effectively.

⚠️ Possible Complications

Without treatment, pulmonary TB can lead to:

• Permanent lung damage

• Spread to other organs

Side effects from TB medications may include:

• Vision changes

• Discolored tears or urine

• Liver inflammation

• Rash

A vision test may be conducted before starting treatment to track any changes.

📞 When to Contact a Doctor

You should see a doctor if:

• You’ve been exposed to TB

• You show TB symptoms

• Symptoms persist despite treatment

• New symptoms arise

🛡️ TB Prevention

TB is preventable, even after exposure. Steps include:

• Regular skin testing for high-risk individuals

• Immediate and follow-up testing for those exposed

• Prompt treatment of active TB cases

Some countries use the BCG vaccine for prevention, although its effectiveness is limited.