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Pulmonary tuberculosis is a serious lung disease caused by a contagious bacterium, prevalent in areas with poor sanitation and healthcare. Symptoms include chronic cough, fever, and chest pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial, and most cases can be cured with antibiotics taken for at least six months.
Pulmonary tuberculosis is a potentially serious lung disease caused by a contagious bacterium. The condition is prevalent in many parts of the world, especially in places with overpopulation, poor sanitation and little access to quality health care. Once a person is infected, they may experience no symptoms for several months or even years. When signs of the disease do occur, they may include a chronic wet cough, fever, and chest pain. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent serious damage to the lungs and possible complications in the liver or brain.
Different strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis can cause infections. The bacteria becomes airborne when an infected person coughs or sneezes and can easily be inhaled by another person. In the lungs, bacteria attach themselves to the inner lining and can lie dormant for a long time. In fact, most people never develop any symptoms, as their immune systems are strong enough to fight off the pathogen. Very young children, the elderly, and people with weakened immune systems are at the highest risk of developing active pulmonary tuberculosis.
The first symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis usually include minor difficulty breathing, occasional coughing and wheezing, and chest pain. Symptoms tend to worsen over weeks or months until they become constant, debilitating problems. A person may start coughing up blood, experience fever and chills, and feel fatigued all the time. Weight loss, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, and fluid retention may also occur. Without treatment, the bacteria can spread from the lungs and lymph nodes to other vital organs and cause very serious illness.
A doctor can usually diagnose pulmonary tuberculosis by asking about symptoms and doing chest imaging scans. On X-rays and computed tomography, lung patches typically appear inflamed, scarred, and discolored. A sample of phlegm can also be collected and analyzed in a laboratory to confirm the diagnosis. Occasionally, a sample of lung tissue may need to be collected to rule out cancer.
Most cases of active pulmonary tuberculosis can be cured with a course of several antibiotic drugs. Doctors commonly prescribe pyrazinamide, rifampicin, and two or three other medications to be taken every day for at least six months. It is important for patients to continue taking the medications for the full cycle, even if symptoms improve rapidly, to ensure that the bacteria are completely eliminated. Frequent medical checkups during and after treatment can confirm that the problems have been resolved.
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