How is pulmonary tuberculosis classified?
Oct 18, 2023
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Lu Haiying
Introduction
In general, pulmonary tuberculosis can be classified into the following types: primary pulmonary tuberculosis, hematogenous disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis, secondary pulmonary tuberculosis, tracheobronchial tuberculosis, and tuberculous pleurisy. Primary pulmonary tuberculosis refers to the disease caused by initial infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which may present symptoms such as prolonged irregular low-grade fever, fatigue, and cough.
Generally, pulmonary tuberculosis is classified into the following types: primary pulmonary tuberculosis, hematogenous disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis, secondary pulmonary tuberculosis, tracheobronchial tuberculosis, and tuberculous pleurisy. The details are as follows:
1. Primary Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Primary pulmonary tuberculosis refers to the disease caused by initial infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It may present with prolonged irregular low-grade fever, fatigue, cough, and other symptoms, accompanied by lymphangitis and hilar lymphadenopathy. This type commonly occurs in children, and most cases have a favorable prognosis.
2. Hematogenous Disseminated Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Hematogenous disseminated pulmonary tuberculosis occurs when Mycobacterium tuberculosis enters the bloodstream either once or repeatedly, leading to lung lesions along with corresponding pathological, pathophysiological changes, and clinical manifestations. When multiple organs throughout the body are involved, it is referred to as hematogenous disseminated tuberculosis.
3. Secondary Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Secondary pulmonary tuberculosis is the most common clinical type and includes exudative pulmonary tuberculosis, chronic fibrocavitary pulmonary tuberculosis, caseous pneumonia, and tuberculoma. Clinical manifestations vary depending on the size and extent of the lesions, ranging from no obvious symptoms to severe tuberculous intoxication symptoms.
4. Tracheobronchial Tuberculosis
Tracheobronchial tuberculosis is a form of tuberculosis affecting the mucosa, submucosa, smooth muscle, cartilage, and outer membrane of the trachea and bronchi. It results from invasion of the tracheal and bronchial mucosa by Mycobacterium tuberculosis from intrapulmonary foci. Symptoms include cough, sputum production, hemoptysis, fever, and chest discomfort.
5. Tuberculous Pleurisy
Tuberculous pleurisy is a common pleural disease and ranks first among various types of pleurisy. It is an inflammatory condition of the pleura caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis and its autolytic and metabolic products entering the pleural cavity of a hypersensitive host. It is more commonly seen in adolescents.
If patients experience any discomfort, they are advised to seek timely medical evaluation at a hospital to avoid delays in diagnosis and treatment.
