Khanh, who was undergoing treatment for prediabetes and hypertension, sought medical attention for a persistent cough. Dr. Nguyen Thi My Hanh, a specialist in General Internal Medicine at Tam Anh District 7 General Clinic, diagnosed him with pleural effusion. He underwent two pleural fluid aspirations, where approximately two liters of fluid were removed each time to relieve his shortness of breath and collect samples for testing.

Doctors perform pleural fluid aspiration to reduce pressure on the lungs, helping to alleviate Khanh's shortness of breath. Photo: Tam Anh General Hospital

Test results confirmed the presence of tuberculosis bacteria. Dr. Hanh subsequently diagnosed Khanh with pleural tuberculosis and initiated a treatment plan in accordance with the Ministry of Health's protocol.

According to Dr. Hanh, pleural tuberculosis is an extrapulmonary form of tuberculosis that often progresses silently. Its initial symptoms are atypical, making early detection challenging. If not promptly diagnosed and treated, the disease can lead to complications such as pleural thickening and adhesion. This condition causes the two layers of the pleura to fibrose and stick together, which reduces the lung's ability to expand and impairs respiratory function. Patients may experience prolonged shortness of breath, breathlessness during exertion, reduced lung capacity, and a significant decline in their long-term quality of life.

Individuals should seek medical evaluation if they experience symptoms like a cough lasting over two weeks, chest pain, shortness of breath, a low-grade fever in the afternoon, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. If self-treatment for a cough does not improve the condition, screenings for respiratory diseases, including tuberculosis, are recommended.

Dr. Hanh emphasized that early detection and adherence to the correct treatment protocol can effectively control pleural tuberculosis. Patients must comply with their prescribed treatment and attend all follow-up appointments. High-risk groups, including those with diabetes, malnutrition, smokers, individuals engaged in heavy labor, or those with chronic diseases, should be especially vigilant about their health.

Pleural tuberculosis is generally less contagious due to its localized lesions. However, a risk of transmission exists if it co-occurs with undiagnosed active pulmonary tuberculosis. Those living with tuberculosis patients should undergo health screenings to detect potential infection early. For instance, Khanh's relatives all received health checks and the vaccine after his diagnosis.

Nhat Thanh