pulmonary tuberculosis

disease

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Last updated

July 16, 2026

Quick Summary

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is an infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily affects the lungs, leading to symptoms such as a persistent cough, chest pain, and shortness of breath. Other common signs include fever, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite, and weight loss. The disease can cause lung tissue to break down, forming cavities and potentially leading to coughing up blood. Historically, TB was a major cause of death, but the development of antibiotic drugs has significantly reduced mortality rates in developed countries. However, it remains a serious concern in regions with limited healthcare and hygiene, and the rise of drug-resistant strains complicates treatment.123

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respiratory disease
Tuberculosis
…lung diseases caused by bacteria, pulmonary tuberculosis is historically by far the most important. Particular features of this dreaded condition include the severe general debilitation and weakness that it may cause; the insidious nature of the onset of its initial symptoms, which may not be pulmonary in nature; the familial…
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…lung diseases caused by bacteria, pulmonary tuberculosis is historically by far the most important. Particular features of this dreaded condition include the severe general debilitation and weakness that it may cause; the insidious nature of the onset of its initial symptoms, which may not be pulmonary in nature; the familial…
Read More

tuberculosis
The course of tuberculosis
…causes a condition known as pulmonary tuberculosis, a highly infectious stage of the disease. In some cases the infection may break into the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall, causing a pleural effusion, or collection of fluid outside the lung. Particularly among infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised…
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…causes a condition known as pulmonary tuberculosis, a highly infectious stage of the disease. In some cases the infection may break into the pleural space between the lung and the chest wall, causing a pleural effusion, or collection of fluid outside the lung. Particularly among infants, the elderly, and immunocompromised…
Read More