Understanding Pulmonary Tuberculosis Complications: Risks & Treatment

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious and often fatal lung infection. It is an airborne infection spread from person to person. Typically, when a person infected with TB coughs, sneezes, speaks or even sings, tiny droplets of bacteria are released into the air and can infect nearby persons.

Complications

• If left untreated, pulmonary tuberculosis can spread to other areas of your body, such as your brain, bones, kidneys or the entire body itself.

Meningitis

• If pulmonary tuberculosis spreads to the brain, meningitis can occur, causing death if not treated early.

Abscess

• If pulmonary tuberculosis spreads to the bones, it can cause abscess, pain and joint destruction.

Miliary TB

• If pulmonary tuberculosis spreads to the overall body, more serious complications such as kidney failure, liver failure, stroke and death can occur.

Symptoms

• Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis may include a prolonged cough, lung discomfort, night sweats, fatigue and loss of appetite.