What Is Pulmonary Tuberculosis?
Pulmonary tuberculosis, often called TB, is a serious infectious disease that primarily attacks the lungs. It’s caused by a bacterium called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. While TB can affect other parts of the body like the spine or kidneys, lung infection is the most common and contagious form. TB spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or even talks. Despite being preventable and treatable, TB remains a major health concern worldwide.
How Does TB Spread?
TB doesn’t spread through casual touch, sharing food, or shaking hands—it’s airborne. When someone with active TB in the lungs coughs or sneezes, tiny droplets containing the bacteria are released into the air. If another person breathes them in, infection can occur. Not everyone who inhales TB bacteria gets sick immediately—some develop latent TB, where the bacteria remain in the body without symptoms. But when the immune system weakens, latent TB can turn into active TB, which is dangerous and contagious.
Who Is at Higher Risk?
Although anyone can get TB, certain groups are more vulnerable:
- People with weakened immune systems (HIV/AIDS, cancer, or chronic illness).
- Smokers and individuals with poor lung health.
- Malnourished individuals.
- People living in crowded or poorly ventilated spaces.
- Healthcare workers exposed to TB patients.
- Those with a history of untreated or incomplete TB treatment.
Think of your immune system like a shield—when it’s strong, TB bacteria often stay dormant. But when the shield cracks, TB finds its chance to strike.
Symptoms of Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Active TB in the lungs usually develops slowly, and at first, it might look like a stubborn cold or flu. Common symptoms include:
- Persistent cough lasting more than three weeks.
- Coughing up blood or thick phlegm.
- Chest pain or discomfort while breathing.
- Night sweats and fever.
- Unexplained weight loss and fatigue.
- Loss of appetite.
These symptoms, especially when combined, should never be ignored. TB can quietly damage the lungs if not treated on time.
Video : Pulmonary TB | Infectious diseases | NCLEX-RN | Khan Academy
Complications of Untreated TB
If pulmonary TB is left untreated, it can spread beyond the lungs and cause serious complications such as:
- Permanent lung damage.
- Spread to bones, joints, or kidneys.
- Meningitis (infection in the brain and spinal cord lining).
- Increased risk of death due to organ failure.
It’s not just a lung disease—it’s a body-wide threat if ignored.
How TB Is Diagnosed
Doctors use several methods to detect TB:
- Skin test (Mantoux test) – A small amount of TB protein is injected under the skin to check immune response.
- Blood tests – Detect TB bacteria or immune reaction.
- Chest X-ray – Reveals lung damage or lesions.
- Sputum test – Examines mucus from the lungs for TB bacteria.
Accurate diagnosis ensures timely treatment and reduces the risk of spreading the disease to others.
Treatment Options for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
TB treatment usually lasts six to nine months, depending on severity. The cornerstone is a combination of antibiotics taken daily, including:
- Isoniazid
- Rifampin
- Ethambutol
- Pyrazinamide
Patients must take the full course, even if symptoms disappear, because stopping early can cause drug-resistant TB—a dangerous form that’s much harder to treat. In severe cases, doctors may recommend hospitalization, especially if the patient is highly contagious or has complications.
Living with TB During Treatment
Managing TB isn’t just about taking medicine—it’s also about lifestyle:
- Get plenty of rest and eat nutrient-rich foods to strengthen immunity.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking, which slow recovery.
- Cover your mouth when coughing to prevent spreading bacteria.
- Stay consistent with medication—skipping doses increases resistance risks.
- Regularly check in with your doctor for monitoring.
Recovery may take months, but discipline and persistence are the keys to getting well.
Prevention: Stopping TB Before It Starts
Prevention is always better than cure. Here are practical ways to protect yourself and others:
- BCG vaccine – Widely used in children to reduce severe TB risks.
- Good ventilation – TB bacteria thrive in closed, poorly ventilated areas.
- Early detection – Regular checkups in high-risk areas help catch TB early.
- Protective masks – Reduce exposure in hospitals or crowded spaces.
- Healthy lifestyle – Strong immunity lowers the chance of infection.
Imagine prevention as locking the door before an intruder arrives—it’s far easier than fighting them once they’re inside.
When to Seek Medical Help
See a doctor immediately if you have a persistent cough with blood-streaked phlegm, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats. These are classic TB red flags and require prompt medical evaluation.
Video : Tuberculosis (TB): Progression of the Disease, Latent and Active Infections.
Conclusion: Fighting TB with Awareness and Action
Pulmonary tuberculosis is serious but not unbeatable. With early detection, proper treatment, and consistent prevention, it can be controlled and even eliminated. The key lies in awareness—recognizing symptoms, seeking help, and completing treatment without delay. TB may spread silently, but knowledge and action are the loudest weapons against it. Protecting your lungs today ensures a healthier, longer tomorrow
