Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease that occurs when the bacteria causing tuberculosis multiplies in the body and attacks the lungs.
Signs and Symptoms
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include a severe cough, chest pain and coughing blood. Other symptoms you may feel are fatigue, loss of appetite, weight loss, fever, chills, and night sweats.
Cause
Pulmonary tuberculosis is caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is spread from person to person through the air.
Significance
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one-third of people in the world are infected with tuberculosis at any time, and most of these cases are pulmonary tuberculosis.
Risk Factors
The risk factors for pulmonary tuberculosis include having a weakened immune system, living or working with people who have tuberculosis and contact with people who have recently immigrated from areas of the world with high rates of tuberculosis.
Testing
If you think you have been exposed to tuberculosis, call you doctor to get a skin or blood test for confirmation.
Treatment
Pulmonary tuberculosis is treatable. If you become infected with pulmonary tuberculosis, be sure to take all of the medication prescribed by your doctor.
