Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs but can also affect other parts of the body. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

Updated on September 18, 2024

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Tuberculosis is mainly due to the infection of the human body by tuberculosis bacteria, which proliferate massively within the body, destroying the tissues and organs, and producing some blood syndromes related to combined toxins. Symptoms such as low-grade fever, night sweats, blood-stained sputum, and afternoon feverishness are common, and weight loss is also a common occurrence.

Different forms of tuberculosis have different clinical symptoms. Tuberculosis can be cured if it is identified early and treated promptly and properly with anti-tuberculosis therapy, allowing many to recover completely.

Other Voices

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Written by Han Shun Li

Pulmonology

38sec

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How to maintain health after recovering from tuberculosis?

Now, tuberculosis is a curable disease. Therefore, after recovering from tuberculosis, the first step in maintenance is to stay calm and not to consider oneself as a patient anymore. After recovery, one's health status is the same as before, and it is crucial to maintain a healthy mental state. Additionally, one should have a regular lifestyle, balanced nutrition; avoid overwork and staying up late; avoid smoking and drinking; actively exercise and engage in outdoor activities to enhance the body's resistance and adaptability; with changes in weather, timely adjust clothing to avoid catching cold, and actively prevent colds and so on.

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Written by Li Hu Chen

Imaging Center

1min 2sec

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Tuberculosis X-ray Chest Radiograph Manifestations

If it is tuberculosis, it is generally visible on an X-ray chest film. Of course, some especially early-stage or tiny lesions might not be detected except by CT. However, typical cases of tuberculosis can be diagnosed with a chest X-ray. Often, on the chest X-ray, the apices of both lungs—the uppermost parts—might show cloud-like, vague shadowy areas that are slightly brighter than the normal lung tissue but with unclear edges. Additionally, there are some cases of secondary tuberculosis, which are more severe, featuring tuberculomas which are more evenly dense and have smoother edges. These can be seen in the lungs. However, such typical severe tuberculomas are becoming less common clinically because medications are used more promptly now, and people seek treatment in a timely manner. Cases like chronic fibrocavitary tuberculosis are becoming increasingly rare, mostly seen in older patients who have been on medication for many years.

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Written by Xiong Hong Hai

Infectious Disease

46sec

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What should be noted in the diagnosis of tuberculosis combined with AIDS?

The diagnosis of tuberculosis in individuals infected with AIDS generally involves examining certain clinical symptoms such as coughing, expectoration, low-grade fever, night sweats, and blood in sputum. Additionally, it requires analysis of specific characteristics in chest imaging, such as tuberculosis lesions identified in chest CT scans that are relatively specific. Microbial tests on sputum, such as sputum culture and acid-fast bacillus smear, are also essential. When necessary, tests for tuberculosis-infected T-cells can be conducted to provide a comprehensive diagnosis. After diagnosing concurrent pulmonary tuberculosis, anti-tuberculosis treatment is required.

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Written by Li Fang Xiao

Internal Medicine

51sec

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What vegetables are good for patients with tuberculosis?

Tuberculosis is a relatively common disease in clinical practice, and currently, there are many tuberculosis patients in our country. Clinically, it mainly manifests as low-grade fever in the afternoon, as well as coughing up phlegm, blood in the phlegm, and other related issues. It can be definitively diagnosed through tests such as the PPD test and chest CT scans. For tuberculosis patients, dietary adjustments are also necessary. For example, in terms of vegetables, they can eat potatoes, celery, cabbage, tomatoes, cucumbers, eggplants, etc. The main food should consist of rice and noodles. In terms of protein, it is advisable to eat more meat, eggs, and milk to supplement nutrition. It is important to maintain a light diet and avoid spicy and irritating foods.

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Written by An Yong Peng

Pulmonology

1min 5sec

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Is pulmonary fibrosis always caused by tuberculosis?

Pulmonary fibrosis foci do not necessarily result from tuberculosis, although tuberculosis is a relatively common cause of such fibrosis. After tuberculosis is cured, pulmonary fibrosis foci may remain. However, in cases of general pulmonary inflammation, sometimes the lesion is not completely absorbed, which may also result in fibrosis. If the pulmonary fibrosis foci are a result of tuberculosis, there is a certain risk of recurrence. In such cases, measures should be taken to prevent recurrence, such as ensuring balanced nutrition and engaging in appropriate exercise to enhance one's resistance. These measures help prevent the recurrence of tuberculosis. Additionally, pulmonary fibrosis foci can also lead to changes in lung structure, making patients relatively more susceptible to respiratory infections. Therefore, for pulmonary fibrosis foci, it is also important to keep warm and prevent respiratory infections.