The infection destroys patients' lung tissue, causing them to cough up the bacteria, which then spread through the air and can be inhaled by others. The mechanism behind this lung damage is poorly understood.
What part of the lung does TB affect?
When TB bacilli are inhaled, they rapidly pass through the mouth and nose and pass into the lowest and smallest parts of the airways. They move into the terminal bronchioli and alveoli of the lung.
What are the symptoms of tuberculosis in lungs?
Signs and symptoms of active TB include:
- Coughing for three or more weeks.
- Coughing up blood or mucus.
- Chest pain, or pain with breathing or coughing.
- Unintentional weight loss.
- Fatigue.
- Fever.
- Night sweats.
- Chills.
