Pneumonia and Tuberculosis

Patients with pneumonia commonly develop symptoms such as cough, fever and shortness of breath. They can also have symptoms of lethargy, poor appetite, chest discomfort, coughing up of blood or confusion in older adults.

Patients with active tuberculosis (TB) of the lung present with similar symptoms. In addition, they may experience night sweats and unintentional weight loss. Their cough may also be more prolonged, lasting for more than 3 weeks. In latent TB, patients do not have symptoms.

Many organisms can cause pneumonia such as viruses, bacteria and fungi. Infection with fungi more commonly occurs in patients with weakened immune systems. Pneumonia can also happen when food or liquids are inhaled into the lungs in people with poor swallowing or following seizures or alcohol intoxication.

• Young children
• Older adults > 65 years old
• People with chronic medical conditions that weaken the immune system such as diabetes, cancer, chronic lung disease
• People taking medications that suppress the immune system
• Smokers
• People with swallowing problems who are at risk of inhaling food particles/liquids when they eat

• Close contacts of someone with TB
• Have HIV/AIDS
• Work in settings with a higher risk of exposure eg healthcare
• From a country where TB is common
• Poor nutritional states
• Drug abusers

Pneumonia

Pneumonia is diagnosed based on a thorough history, physical examination and chest X-ray. Other tests such as blood tests, sputum tests and swabs of the nose and throat may also be done to determine the cause of pneumonia and its severity.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. In bacterial pneumonia, antibtiotics are the mainstay of treatment. In some viral pneumonias, anti-viral drugs may be administered. Patients should get adequate rest and plenty of fluids to aid in recovery. Medications for accompanying symptoms such as cough or fever will also help ease the recovery process. In more severe cases, oxygen supplementation and mechanical support of breathing may be necessary.

• Good hand and overall hygiene
• Maintenance of good general health with a balanced diet and regular exercise
• Influenza and Pneumococcal vaccinations as per vaccination guidelines
• Smoking cessation

Tuberculosis (TB)​

Active TB is similarly diagnosed from history, physical examination and chest imaging. A definite diagnosis is made when sputum samples show the presence of TB bacteria.

Active TB is treated with a combination of multiple anti-TB drugs. The treatment course is prolonged and requires a minimum of 6 months.