Can chest X-ray and lung CT detect tuberculosis?

　　Chest X-rays and pulmonary CT scans can usually detect tuberculosis, but they cannot serve alone as a basis for diagnosis. Other methods may be needed to confirm the condition. If experiencing any discomfort, it is recommended to seek timely medical consultation, clarify the situation, and follow professional medical advice for treatment to avoid delaying the illness.

　　Chest X-rays and pulmonary CT scans are important imaging methods for diagnosing tuberculosis. Chest X-rays can serve as an initial screening tool for tuberculosis, and in patients with more evident lesions, characteristic changes such as pulmonary infiltration, cavities, or calcification can be observed. Pulmonary CT offers higher resolution, allowing for clearer visualization of lung structures and lesion details. It is particularly useful in detecting minor lesions or atypical presentations of tuberculosis that may be missed on chest X-rays, providing more accurate diagnostic information.

　　Although both chest X-rays and pulmonary CT scans can be used for diagnosing tuberculosis, neither can serve alone as a definitive diagnostic basis. Confirming tuberculosis typically requires a comprehensive analysis combining clinical symptoms, laboratory tests, and imaging studies. Symptoms such as cough, sputum production, hemoptysis, low-grade fever, and night sweats, along with tests like acid-fast bacilli smear and culture or tuberculin skin testing, may indicate pulmonary tuberculosis.

　　During treatment, patients should follow medical instructions, take medications regularly, and undergo periodic follow-up examinations to ensure effective control of the disease.