Respiratory Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment
Respiratory tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. This disease can be fatal if not treated promptly.
- Causes: Respiratory tuberculosis is caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacterium. It spreads through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. People with weakened immune systems are more susceptible to the disease.
- Symptoms: The symptoms of respiratory tuberculosis include a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. These symptoms may develop over several weeks or months.
- Diagnosis: To diagnose respiratory tuberculosis, a doctor will perform a physical exam and order several tests, including a chest X-ray, a sputum test, and a skin test. The sputum test involves coughing up phlegm, which is then tested for the presence of the tuberculosis bacterium.
- Treatment: Respiratory tuberculosis can be treated with a combination of antibiotics for several months. It is important to complete the entire course of treatment to prevent the bacterium from becoming resistant to antibiotics. People with respiratory tuberculosis should also avoid close contact with others until they are no longer contagious.
Respiratory tuberculosis is a serious disease that requires prompt treatment. If you have any of the symptoms of respiratory tuberculosis, such as a persistent cough, chest pain, coughing up blood, fatigue, weight loss, fever, or night sweats, see your doctor right away. With proper diagnosis and treatment, most people with respiratory tuberculosis can make a full recovery.