What does "old pulmonary TB" mean?

Chronic pulmonary TB is the abbreviation for chronic pulmonary tuberculosis. The main symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis include systemic symptoms and respiratory symptoms.

1. Respiratory Symptoms

The primary symptoms are cough, sputum production, and blood-tinged sputum, which are the most common manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis. Typically, patients have a mild cough with dry or small amounts of viscous sputum. When cavities form, the amount of sputum increases. If complicated by other bacterial infections, the sputum may become purulent. If bronchial tuberculosis is present, it may manifest as a persistent irritative dry cough. Approximately one-third of patients experience hemoptysis, with most having minor bleeding and only a few presenting massive hemoptysis. When tuberculosis lesions involve the pleura, patients develop chest pain—so-called pleuritic pain—that worsens with breathing, movement, or coughing. Dyspnea (shortness of breath) commonly occurs in patients with extensive caseous pneumonia or large pleural effusions.

2. Systemic Symptoms

Fever is the most common systemic symptom, typically presenting as low-grade fever in the afternoon—body temperature rises during the afternoon or evening and returns to normal the following morning. Some patients also experience fatigue, night sweats, poor appetite, and weight loss. In women of childbearing age, menstrual irregularities may also occur.