TB & Chest Infection Doctor in Delhi | Tubercular Pneumonia Care

Tubercular Pneumonia

Tubercular Pneumonia is a form of pneumonia caused by Mycobacterium Tuberculosis. It develops slowly and primarily affects the lungs, causing long – standing symptoms. It combines features of both pneumonia and tuberculosis. It usually develops when tuberculosis spreads rapidly in the lungs, causing consolidation, similar to bacterial pneumonia but with chronic and systemic symptoms. Unlike regular bacterial pneumonia, which comes on suddenly, tubercular pneumonia has a slow onset, and often affects people who are already vulnerable due to poor immunity, malnutrition, or underlying illness.

Symptoms of Tubercular Pneumonia

Cough which lasts more than 2-3 weeks.
Sputum production (may contain blood).
Chest pain and breathlessness.
Low – grade fever (especially in the evening).
Night sweats.
Weight loss and fatigue.
Loss of appetite.

Causes of Tubercular Pneumonia

Tubercular Pneumonia gets caused by:

Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection.
Inhalation of TB bacteria from a coughing/sneezing person.
Reactivation of latent TB in people with weakened immunity.
Poor ventilation, overcrowded housing, or contact with TB patients.

Diagnosis

Chest X-ray or CT scan.
Sputum test for AFB (Acid-fast bacilli).
CBNAAT (GeneXpert), Mantoux test, IGRA.
Blood tests (ESR, CBC).

Treatment

Long-term Anti-TB treatment (ATT) for 6–9 months.
Combination of drugs like isoniazid, rifampicin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide.
Regular monitoring for liver and kidney function.
Isolation during the active phase.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can it be completely cured?

Yes, with a full course of ATT and regular follow – ups.

2. What makes it different from regular pneumonia?

It develops slowly, is chronic and requires longer treatment. On the other hand regular pneumonia resolves quickly with antibiotics.

3. Is tubercular pneumonia contagious?

Yes, it spreads through air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

4. What happens if I stop the treatment early?

If you stop the treatment then it can cause drug – resistant TB (MDR – TB), which is further harder and longer to treat.