Pulmonary Tuberculosis
- lung disease caused by Bacteria
Infection:
Immune system cells build wall around bacteria in lungs. This forms small, hard lumps (tubercles.)
Infected tissue in tubercles die. Gaseous exchange surface damaged so tidal volume decreased.
Also causes fibrosis- further reduces tidal volume.
If bacteria enters bloodstream they can spread to other parts of the body.
Symptoms:
Common symptoms include persistant cough, coughing up blood/mucus, chest pains, shortness of breath and fatigue.
Some may also have a fever.
Many lose weight due to reduction in appetitie.
Transmission:
Transmitted by droplet infection- infected person coughs/sneezes, tiny droplets of saliva/mucus containing bacteria released. If unaffected person breaths in droplets then bacteria are passed on.
More widespread in areas of poor hygeine and crowded conditions.
Can be prevented with BCG vaccine and treated with antibiotics.

	Created by hannah.lindridge over 11 years ago

A-Levels Biology (Respiratory system) Note on Lung disease, created by hannah.lindridge on 20/05/2013.

Lung disease