PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS

• Infectious, inflammatory systemic disease caused by

exposure to mycobacterium tuberculosis that infects
lungs, lymph nodes and other organs.
Etiology & Pathophysiology:
• Close contact or prolonged exposure with TB patients
is risk factor.
• Immunocompromised patients have increased risk of
TB.
• Mode of transmission: inhalation of mycobacterium
tuberculosis bacillus into lungs.
• TB infection may lead to necrotic lung tissues or may
develop cavities.
• The infection can also spread to other organs,
including brain & spinal cord.
Clinical Presentation:
• Common signs are -
➢ Productive cough
➢ Weight loss
➢ Fever
➢ Fatigue
➢ Anorexia
• Complications include -
 ➢ Bronchopleural fistula
➢ Pleural effusion
➢ Sudden lung collapse
➢ Spread of infection to brain and spinal cord
❖Many people are unaware of been infected (Latent
TB), in them only sign of infection may be a Positive
skin test.
Medical Interventions:
• Prevention of TB
➢ Limiting contact with infected individuals
➢ Reducing airborne exposure by covering
mouth & nose while coughing
➢ Addressing risk factors
• TB pharmacotherapy is curative but must be taken
over a long period of time (6-12 months)
PT Management:
• Improve poor gas exchange
• ACTs
• Secretion removal
• Cough assist techniques in weak patients
• Hospitalized active TB patients must be placed in
negative pressure room to limit airborne spreading
• PT must take preventive measures to avoid TB
infection