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Pulmonary Tuberculosis Complications

Tuberculosis (TB) is a highly contagious and often fatal lung infection. It is an airborne infection spread from person to person. Typically, when a person infected with TB coughs, sneezes, speaks or even sings, tiny droplets of bacteria are released into the air and can infect nearby persons.

  1. Complications

    • If left untreated, pulmonary tuberculosis can spread to other areas of your body, such as your brain, bones, kidneys or the entire body itself.

    Meningitis

    • If pulmonary tuberculosis spreads to the brain, meningitis can occur, causing death if not treated early.

    Abscess

    • If pulmonary tuberculosis spreads to the bones, it can cause abscess, pain and joint destruction.

    Miliary TB

    • If pulmonary tuberculosis spreads to the overall body, more serious complications such as kidney failure, liver failure, stroke and death can occur.

    Symptoms

    • Symptoms of pulmonary tuberculosis may include a prolonged cough, lung discomfort, night sweats, fatigue and loss of appetite.

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