Home Remedies Area

There are two different types of tuberculosis, pulmonary and extra pulmonary. Primary tuberculosis pneumonia is not a common type of tuberculosis and it is quite infectious. It affects patients with pneumonia with a cough, significant phlegm, along with a very high fever. It is most common to find patients with tuberculosis pneumonia who are very young or very old. Patients who have suppressed immune systems, such as those who are HIV positive, are more likely to catch tuberculosis pneumonia as it is extremely contagious. Individuals on corticosteroid therapy are also at a higher risk of developing the illness. 

Tuberculosis pleurisy is also a problem for some patients. This occurs when a granuloma erupts in the space between the chest wall and the lungs. This is the pleural space and several tablespoons of fluid will fill the space normally. However, once it has been affected by bacteria the amount of fluid increases significantly and this puts pressure on the lung. The patient will feel sharp chest pain with each breath and shortness of breath. X-rays taken will show that there is significant fluid in the chest pleural cavity. Patients typically have a low grade fever and the condition is known to resolve on its own without the need for treatment. Something to watch out for, though is that patients that have had tuberculosis pleurisy are more likely to develop active pulmonary TB in the span of a few years. 

Other Types of TB

Some patients will also experience cavitary tuberculosis. This involves the lungs’ upper lobes and the bacteria causes large air spaces or cavities within the lungs that is destructive. Patients with cavitary tuberculosis will experience symptoms that may include weakness, fever, weight loss, night sweats, and a productive cough. Some patients may even cough up blood. Cavitary tuberculosis is very contagious. 

Another type of tuberculosis that might affect patients is military TB. This type of tuberculosis causes small nodules to develop in the lungs. It is called military tuberculosis because the nodules resemble. Millet seeds. After an initial infection military tuberculosis may set it. Patients affected with this type of tuberculosis may die and are very sick with high fevers. Symptoms to watch out for include weight loss, fever, and night sweats. It’s hard to diagnose this type of tuberculosis because many times the first chest X ray appears normal. Children and those with suppressed immune systems are at the highest risk for becoming ill. 

Tuberculosis pneumonia and all other types of TB are extremely contagious and dangerous. That’s why it is so important to avoid those who are sick with TB. Some individuals may be given the TB vaccine, but this is not a common vaccine to give in most industrialized nations. Overall, people experiencing symptoms like those described above should be seen immediately by a doctor. Prompt treatment is important for those with TB.