Overview

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, a bacterium that primarily affects the lungs. It spreads through the air when a person with infectious TB releases bacteria while coughing, speaking or sneezing. Common symptoms include a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, chest pain and unexplained weight loss. Early diagnosis and appropriate treatment are important for preventing complications and reducing the risk of transmission to others.

Pulmonary TB treatment involves a combination of specific medicines taken for a prescribed period under medical supervision. Tuberculosis is generally curable when diagnosed early and treated correctly.

Symptoms of Pulmonary TB

• Persistent cough, particularly one lasting two weeks or longer.
• Coughing up mucus or blood.
• Chest pain or discomfort while breathing or coughing.
• Fever, which may be more noticeable in the evening.
• Night sweats.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Loss of appetite.
• Weakness, fatigue and reduced energy levels.

Causes of Pulmonary TB

• Airborne Transmission
• Close Contact with an Infected Person
• Weakened Immune System
• Progression from TB Infection
• Drug-Resistant TB

Diagnosis of Pulmonary TB

Accurate pulmonary TB diagnosis helps confirm infection, identify possible drug resistance and guide appropriate treatment. A combination of clinical assessment, laboratory testing and imaging may be required.

• Clinical Examination: The doctor reviews symptoms, medical history, possible TB exposure and relevant risk factors. A physical examination helps assess the patient's general condition and respiratory symptoms.
• Sputum Examination: A sample of mucus coughed up from the lungs may be examined for TB bacteria. Sputum testing helps establish whether the infection is present.
• Rapid Molecular Tests: Tests such as nucleic acid amplification tests can detect genetic material from TB bacteria and may identify resistance to certain medicines.
• Chest X-ray: Chest imaging can identify changes that may suggest pulmonary TB. However, an X-ray alone cannot confirm the diagnosis, so laboratory testing is generally required.

Benefits of Early Pulmonary TB Treatment

• Eliminate TB bacteria and support recovery
• Reduce the risk of TB transmission
• Relieve cough, fever, fatigue and other symptoms
• Prevent progressive lung damage and related complications
• Reduce the risk of treatment failure and drug resistance
• Support complete recovery through appropriate medication
• Improve lung health and daily functioning
• Reduce the risk of spreading TB to others

Prevention & Lifestyle Modifications

• Maintain Good Ventilation: Open windows and improve airflow where possible, particularly in shared indoor spaces. Healthcare facilities may use additional infection-control measures.
• Follow Cough Hygiene: Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing, dispose of used tissues appropriately and follow medical advice about wearing a mask when indicated.
• Seek Early Medical Assessment: A persistent cough, fever, night sweats or unexplained weight loss should be assessed promptly to support early diagnosis and reduce potential transmission.
• Complete the Prescribed Treatment: Taking all anti-TB medicines as directed is important for curing the infection and reducing the risk of drug resistance.
• Follow Contact Screening Advice: Household members and other close contacts may need evaluation after exposure to infectious TB. A healthcare professional can advise whether testing or preventive treatment is appropriate.

When Should You See a Doctor?

• A cough lasting two weeks or longer.
• Persistent fever or night sweats.
• Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite.
• Chest pain or ongoing respiratory discomfort.
• Unusual weakness or fatigue.
• Coughing up blood.
• Close contact with someone diagnosed with infectious TB.

Pre- and Post-Treatment Care

Pre-Treatment

• Consultation with a pulmonologist or an appropriate TB specialist.
• Review of symptoms, medical history and possible exposure to TB.
• Sputum testing and rapid molecular investigations, as indicated.
• Chest X-ray or other imaging, if required.
• Drug-resistance testing to help guide medicine selection.
• Assessment of associated medical conditions and current medicines.
• Individualised treatment planning according to test results and applicable guidelines.
• Guidance on infection prevention, treatment adherence and follow-up.

Post-Treatment

• Take all prescribed medicines according to the treatment plan.
• Attend scheduled follow-up appointments and recommended tests.
• Report possible medicine side effects promptly.
• Do not stop, skip or change medicines without medical advice.
• Follow infection-control advice until the treating team confirms that precautions can be changed.
• Maintain a balanced diet and adequate rest during recovery.
• Follow guidance for household contacts and any recommended screening.
• Seek medical review if symptoms persist, return or worsen after treatment.