Question

What happens in pulmonary tuberculosis?

Answer 1

The bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis causes tuberculosis, a contagious, airborne infection that destroys body tissue. Pulmonary TB occurs when M. tuberculosis primarily attacks the lungs. However, it can spread from there to other organs. Pulmonary TB is curable with an early diagnosis and antibiotic treatment.

If someone has pulmonary TB, they will commonly:

• cough up phlegm
• coughup blood
• have a consistent fever, including low-grade fevers
• have night sweats
• have chest pains
• have unexplained weight loss

There may also be other symptoms of pulmonary TB, such as fatigue. Your doctor will be able to tell you whether you should be tested for TB after reviewing all your symptoms