How does tuberculosis affect the lungs?
Tuberculosis is an acute or chronic infection. Tuberculosis results from exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis and sometimes other strains of mycobacteria. Transmission occurs when an infected person coughs or sneezes, spreading infected droplets. When a person without immunity inhales these drops the bacilli lodge in the aveoli, causing irritation. The immune system sends lymphocytes and macrophages to surround the bacilli and the local lymph nodes swell and become inf lammed. The contamination may spread to surrounding tissue, through blood, and lymphatic circulation to distant sites. TB causes massive pulmonary tissue damage with inflammation and tissue necrosis eventually leading to respiratory failure. The disease can also lead to hemorrhage,pleural effusion, and pneumonia. A person with TB may complain of weakness, fatigue, anorexia and weight loss and night sweats. Chest pain, a cough that produces blood or a blood tinged sputum. A low grade fever may also be present.
