KDVMA | Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active

Description	Percentage
Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs. The bacteria can spread from an infected person to another person through the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks. Causes of Chronic Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis Inhalation of bacteria The primary cause of pulmonary tuberculosis is the inhalation of 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 Chronic Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis 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. Chest pain Pain in the chest, especially while breathing or coughing, can be a symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. Fatigue Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. Weight loss Unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. Night sweats Excessive sweating, particularly at night, is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis. Diagnosis of Chronic Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis 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.

Description

Percentage

Tuberculosis, pulmonary, chronic, active

Pulmonary tuberculosis (TB) is a chronic bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, which primarily affects the lungs. The bacteria can spread from an infected person to another person through the air when the infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks.

Causes of Chronic Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Inhalation of bacteria

The primary cause of pulmonary tuberculosis is the inhalation of 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 Chronic Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis

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.

Chest pain

Pain in the chest, especially while breathing or coughing, can be a symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Fatigue

Feeling tired or weak is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Weight loss

Unintentional weight loss is a common symptom of pulmonary tuberculosis.

Night sweats

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

Diagnosis of Chronic Active Pulmonary Tuberculosis

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.

Note: Active pulmonary tuberculosis will be considered permanently and totally disabling for non-service-connected pension purposes in the following circumstances:

(a) Associated with active tuberculosis involving other than the respiratory system.

(b) With severe associated symptoms or with extensive cavity formation.

(d) With advancement of lesions on successive examinations or while under

treatment.

(e) Without retrogression of lesions or other evidence of material

improvement at the end of six months hospitalization or without

change of diagnosis from “active” at the end of 12 months hospitalization.

Material improvement means lessening or absence of clinical symptoms,

and X-ray findings of a stationary or retrogressive lesion.

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