Pulmonary tuberculosis is an infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, transmitted through the respiratory tract when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks. A significant challenge in tuberculosis control is that many cases go undetected early due to non-specific initial symptoms, which are easily mistaken for common respiratory illnesses.
The most common symptom is a cough lasting more than two weeks; however, in the early stages, the cough can be mild, intermittent, and not cause significant discomfort. Some individuals experience only a dry cough or a cough with little phlegm, which is easily confused with bronchitis or seasonal allergies. Consequently, patients often self-medicate, taking multiple courses of antibiotics without resolution, and neglect to seek specialist medical attention.
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Doctor Thuy explains an X-ray image to a patient during a health check-up. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital |
Systemic manifestations such as fatigue, reduced work capacity, loss of appetite, or mild weight loss also appear early. However, these signs progress slowly and are non-specific, leading many to attribute them to stress, overwork, or lifestyle disruptions. A low-grade fever in the afternoon, typically below 38.5 degrees C, accompanied by night sweats, is also a suggestive sign of tuberculosis but is easily overlooked without careful monitoring.
Many patients only seek hospital care when severe symptoms such as coughing up blood, persistent chest pain, or shortness of breath have appeared, indicating significant lung damage. This not only diminishes treatment effectiveness, leading to numerous long-term lung sequelae, but also increases the risk of community transmission.
Anyone experiencing a prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss, or persistent low-grade fever should seek early medical consultation and tuberculosis screening. Early recognition of these signs is crucial for timely diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis, helping to reduce complications and limit infection.
Master of Science, Doctor, First Degree Specialist Nguyen Thanh Thuy
Department of General Internal Medicine
Tam Anh General Hospital, Ho Chi Minh City
