Tuberculosis is a disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, mainly attacking the lungs. It is a highly communicable disease that spreads through droplets when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. At Dr. Bhanushali Hospital, patients are advised to maintain sufficient distance from infected individuals to reduce the risk of transmission. While nearly one-quarter of the global population carries the TB bacteria, only about 10% develop active tuberculosis during their lifetime.

Types of Tuberculosis

There are two main types of tuberculosis: latent TB and active TB.

Latent TB: Latent TB is the stage where bacteria are present in an inactive form without showing any symptoms. It is not communicable or transmissible through air droplets. However, if the patient’s immune system gets weak, their latent TB will turn into active TB. 

Active TB: Active TB is the stage when individuals show maximum symptoms and bacteria multiply regularly. The common symptoms of active tuberculosis are persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fever, night sweats, and weight loss.

There are some risk factors around us that include having a weak immune system due to any other health condition, living in a crowded area, and working in a hospital where there is regular exposure to TB. It is essential to understand all the potential risk factors of tuberculosis so that you can move further for prevention and treatment. 

What is Pulmonary Tuberculosis, and How It Affects the Lungs?

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is primarily characterized by a range of symptoms that reflect the infection’s impact on the lungs. Some of the most common symptoms that significantly affect the lungs during pulmonary tuberculosis are chest pain, a permanent cough, and even blood droplets in the cough. However, there are some more symptoms that impact the full body: fever, night sweats, and weight loss. When the bacteria multiply, and active TB takes place, then our lungs are severely impacted by inflammation and damage to lung tissue. 

The pathophysiology of lung damage in pulmonary TB involves several mechanisms. 

When Mycobacterium tuberculosis affects the lungs, the immune system is initially severely affected. Immune cells attempt to contain the bacteria by forming granulomas—clusters of immune cells that wall off the infection. 

However, due to the weakening of the immune system, there is a significant chance of lung injury. The main cause of this injury is inflammation in the lungs, as the infection over further lung tissue may become necrotic, leading to pulmonary cavitation, where cavities form in the lung tissue due to tissue destruction. 

Epidemiology of Post-TB Lung Impairment

There are many individuals who have suffered from post-tuberculosis lung impairment (PTLD) and have fought against it with the help of correct treatment. According to studies, approximately 10-15% of TB survivors have gone through severe lung damage and respiratory infections. Even after treatment, there are various individuals who experience abnormal lung function.

These symptoms and weakened lungs affect patients’ quality of life and increase their potential risk of having other health problems. The long-term effects of TB can include airflow obstruction, restrictive lung disease, and other structural abnormalities in the lungs, leading to ongoing respiratory issues even after successful treatment.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis is a global crisis that severely affects the lungs, leading to serious respiratory issues and, if untreated, potentially fatal consequences. Understanding the symptoms and pathophysiology of pulmonary TB is crucial for its prevention and cure. Treatment is necessary for both latent and active tuberculosis, as latent TB can develop into an active bacterial infection. For the best care and personalized treatment, consult with top specialists at Dr. Bhanushali Hospital’s Thoracic Surgery Center, where expert professionals provide the most effective solutions for tuberculosis management.

FAQs

What are the early signs of tuberculosis?

Early signs of tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, weight loss, night sweats, and fatigue. If any of these symptoms are present, it’s important to see a doctor.

How is tuberculosis treated?

Tuberculosis is treated with a course of antibiotics, usually lasting 6 to 9 months. Adherence to the full course is crucial to effectively eliminate the bacteria.

In some cases where cavities get formed in the lungs causing permanent destruction of lung parenchyma, a surgical treatment maybe necessary. Also surgery is needed to cure tubercular empyema that is pus formation around lung due to pleural Tb. 

Can tuberculosis spread to other organs?

Yes, while tuberculosis typically affects the lungs, it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the kidneys, spine, or brain, leading to more serious health issues.