Bronchial Tuberculosis

Bronchial tuberculosis, also called endobronchial tuberculosis (EBTB), refers to tuberculosis involving the tracheal and bronchial mucosa and submucosa. In adults, the most common route is direct implantation of tubercle bacilli from pulmonary foci into the bronchial mucosa; pulmonary foci can also involve the mucosa via peribronchial tissues; hematogenous and lymphatic spread first invades the submucosa then the mucosa. In children, EBTB usually results from erosion of bronchi by adjacent mediastinal lymph node TB, causing tuberculous bronchitis. Primary bronchial TB is very rare. Cases with accompanying alveolar foci are relatively easy to diagnose; isolated endobronchial TB is difficult to diagnose due to lack of specific imaging findings.

Common Symptoms

Wheezing; dyspnea; night sweats; wheezing; fever with cough; hemoptysis...

Causes and Pathogenesis

In adults, the most common route is direct implantation from pulmonary foci; peribronchial spread, hematogenous, and lymphatic spread also occur. In children, adjacent mediastinal lymph node TB erodes bronchi. Pathogenesis: 1. Airway spread: Most common; bacilli from local foci or cavities directly invade bronchial mucosa during drainage, or enter via mucosal gland ducts. 2. Adjacent spread: Pulmonary foci directly spread to nearby bronchi; peribronchial lymph node caseation compresses, erodes, and penetrates the bronchial wall. 3. Hematogenous spread: Possible in acute/chronic hematogenous dissemination but rare. Nontuberculous mycobacterial infection is relatively rare; in well-controlled regions like the US, M. avium complex infection is proportionally higher.

Treatment

Drug therapy, supportive therapy

Preventive Measures

1. The key is public awareness; early detection and treatment of sputum-positive patients reduces exposure. 2. Do not spit indiscriminately; burn or chemically disinfect TB patient sputum. 3. Periodic physical examinations enable early detection, isolation, and treatment; vaccinate infants with BCG to build immunity. 4. Seek prompt medical attention for low fever, night sweats, dry cough, blood-streaked sputum, fatigue, or poor appetite. Once diagnosed, begin treatment immediately and increase nutrition to build strength.

Department to Visit

It is recommended to visit the Respiratory department; an appointment can be booked on this platform before the visit.

Warm reminder: The above information is for health science reference only and cannot replace professional medical diagnosis. If you have related symptoms, please seek medical attention at a regular hospital promptly.