📌 What Is Pulmonary Tuberculosis?
Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a contagious bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs, caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Despite advances in medicine, TB remains a major global health concern, particularly in developing countries. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.
🔍 How TB Spreads
Tuberculosis is transmitted aerosolically:
- Inhalation of airborne droplets from a person with active TB.
- Prolonged exposure increases the risk (e.g., living in the same house).
- TB is not spread by touching, kissing, or sharing food.
⚠️ Signs and Symptoms of Pulmonary TB
Pulmonary TB often develops slowly. Early detection is key.
| Common Symptoms | Advanced or Severe Symptoms |
|---|---|
| Persistent cough (>2–3 weeks) | Coughing up blood (hemoptysis) |
| Chest pain or discomfort | Night sweats |
| Fever (especially in the evening) | Weight loss and fatigue |
| Shortness of breath | Loss of appetite |
| Mild chills | Weakness and low-grade fever |
🧪 Diagnosing Pulmonary Tuberculosis
A doctor may use a combination of the following:
🔬 Laboratory Tests
- Sputum smear microscopy: detects acid-fast bacilli (AFB)
- GeneXpert MTB/RIF test: rapid test for TB & rifampicin resistance
- TB culture: most accurate but takes time
🩻 Imaging
- Chest X-ray: shows lung lesions, cavities, or infiltrates
🩸 Other Tests
- Tuberculin skin test (Mantoux test)
- Interferon-Gamma Release Assays (IGRA)
💊 Treatment of Pulmonary TB
🔹 Standard Anti-TB Therapy (First-Line)
The initial phase (2 months):
- Rifampicin (R)
- Isoniazid (H)
- Pyrazinamide (Z)
- Ethambutol (E)
The continuation phase (4 months):
- Rifampicin + Isoniazid
⏱️ Total Duration: At least 6 months
📌 It is critical to complete the full course to prevent drug resistance.
⚠️ Drug-Resistant TB (MDR-TB and XDR-TB)
- MDR-TB: Resistant to at least rifampicin and isoniazid
- XDR-TB: Resistant to multiple drugs, including fluoroquinolones
Treatment is longer (up to 18–24 months) and may include injectable drugs or newer oral drugs like bedaquiline.
🛡️ Prevention of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
✅ Key Preventive Measures:
- Early diagnosis and treatment of active TB cases
- BCG vaccine at birth (offers protection to children)
- Isolation of infectious individuals
- Proper ventilation in homes and public places
- Wearing masks in high-risk settings
👥 Who’s at Risk?
- Close contact with active TB patients
- People with HIV/AIDS
- Individuals with malnutrition or chronic illness
- Healthcare workers
- People living in overcrowded or poorly ventilated areas
👨⚕️ When to See a Doctor
Seek immediate care if:
- You’ve had a cough for more than 2 weeks
- You have weight loss, fever, or night sweats
- You’ve been in close contact with a TB patient
✅ Final Thoughts
Pulmonary TB is preventable, treatable, and curable. Early detection and strict adherence to treatment can save lives and stop the spread. With rising cases of drug-resistant TB, it’s more important than ever to raise awareness and ensure timely diagnosis and management.
