Pleurisy, tuberculous, active or inactive:

Pleurisy, tuberculous, active or inactive:

Tuberculous Pleurisy - Active:

Tuberculous pleurisy is a type of pleural effusion that results from inflammation of the membrane that covers the lungs (the pleura) caused by exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria infecting the lungs. 

Causes of Active Tuberculous Pleurisy

  • Inhalation of bacteria

The primary cause of tuberculous pleurisy is the inhalation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria from an infected person.

  • Weakened immune system

People with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV, are at a higher risk of developing active tuberculosis.

  • Close contact with an infected person

People who live or work in close proximity to an infected person are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis.

  • Poor living conditions

Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate nutrition can increase the risk of developing tuberculosis.

  • Age

Older adults and young children are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis.

Symptoms of Active Tuberculous Pleurisy

  • Chest pain

Pain in the chest, especially while breathing or coughing, is a common symptom of tuberculous pleurisy.

  • Cough

A persistent cough that lasts for more than three weeks is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

  • Coughing up blood

Coughing up blood or sputum that contains blood is another common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

  • Fever

A low-grade fever is a common symptom of tuberculous pleurisy.

  • Night sweats

Excessive sweating, particularly at night, is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Diagnosis of Active Tuberculous Pleurisy

  • Physical examination

A thorough examination of the lungs and chest is performed to assess the presence of tuberculosis.

  • Imaging tests

Imaging tests such as chest X-ray, CT scan, or PET scan may be used to visualize the lungs and determine the extent of the infection.

  • Sputum test

A sample of sputum is collected and examined under a microscope to detect the presence of tuberculosis bacteria.

  • Blood test

A blood test may be performed to detect the presence of antibodies to tuberculosis bacteria.

  • Tuberculin skin test

A small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected under the skin, and the reaction is observed after 48 to 72 hours to determine if the person has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria.

Tuberculous Pleurisy - Inactive:

Inactive or latent tuberculosis infection occurs when a person has been infected with the bacteria but does not have any symptoms of the disease. 

Causes of Inactive Tuberculous Pleurisy

  • Inhalation of bacteria

The primary cause of inactive tuberculous pleurisy is the inhalation of Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria from an infected person.

  • Weakened immune system

People with a weakened immune system, such as those with HIV, are at a higher risk of developing active tuberculosis.

  • Close contact with an infected person

People who live or work in close proximity to an infected person are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis.

  • Poor living conditions

Overcrowding, poor ventilation, and inadequate nutrition can increase the risk of developing tuberculosis.

  • Age

Older adults and young children are at a higher risk of developing tuberculosis.

Diagnosis of Inactive Tuberculous Pleurisy

  • Tuberculin skin test

A small amount of purified protein derivative (PPD) is injected under the skin, and the reaction is observed after 48 to 72 hours to determine if the person has been exposed to tuberculosis bacteria.

  • Blood test

A blood test may be performed to detect the presence of antibodies to tuberculosis bacteria.

  • Chest X-ray

A chest X-ray may show signs of tuberculosis infection, such as scarring or calcification in the lungs.

  • Interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs)

IGRAs are blood tests that detect the presence of tuberculosis bacteria in the body.

Rate under §§4.88c or 4.89, whichever is appropriate

Description Percentage

For 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently

100
Description Percentage

Thereafter, for 4 years, or in any event, to 6 years after date of inactivity

50
Description Percentage

Thereafter, for 5 years, or to 11 years after date of inactivity

30
Description Percentage

Thereafter, in the absence of a schedular compensable permanent residual

0
Description Percentage

For 2 years after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis, which was clinically identified during service or subsequently

100
Description Percentage

Thereafter, for 4 years, or in any event, to 6 years after date of inactivity

50
Description Percentage

Thereafter, for 5 years, or to 11 years after date of inactivity

30
Description Percentage

Thereafter, in the absence of a schedular compensable permanent residual

0

For 1 year after date of inactivity, following active tuberculosis

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