How to tell if it's pneumonia or tuberculosis

Methods to determine whether pneumonia or tuberculosis are based on symptoms, imaging tests, bacteriological tests, skin tests, and serological tests.

1. Symptoms: Pneumonia is mostly manifested as acute infection, with symptoms such as a significant increase in body temperature, accompanied by chills, accompanied by sputum production, rough coughing sound, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing, and sometimes chest discomfort or pain. Tuberculosis is a long-lasting disease with mostly chronic symptoms, including a prolonged cough that may be accompanied by a productive cough, extreme tiredness, unexplained weight loss, profuse sweating at night, and persistent hypothermia.

2. Imaging examination: X-ray or CT scan of pneumonia will show parenchymal infiltrates in the lungs, that is, the lung tissue becomes dense and the opacity increases. The alveoli are filled with fluid or exudate, which is the result of infection. X-rays or CT scans of tuberculosis will show pulmonary nodules with small, round lesions, necrosis of lung tissue leading to cavitation, and enlarged lymph nodes may be seen near the hilum of the lungs.

3. Bacteriological testing: Pneumonia is caused by a variety of bacteria, viruses or fungi, and the specific pathogenic microorganisms can be determined through sputum or blood testing. Tuberculosis is caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, so routine methods such as sputum culture and acidobacterium staining can be used to detect the presence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

4. Skin test: Tuberculin test is a method used to screen for pulmonary tuberculosis. After tuberculin injection into the skin, skin reactions are observed for 48 to 72 hours. A positive reaction may indicate previous exposure to Mycobacterium tuberculosis but does not necessarily indicate current active infection.

5. Serological testing: Serological testing can determine specific immune markers, such as C-reactive protein and white blood cell count. These markers vary differently during the inflammatory process of pneumonia and tuberculosis, but they are not the only criteria used for diagnosis.

It is important to emphasize that the most accurate diagnosis requires a professional evaluation by a physician, combined with a variety of tests and medical history, to determine whether pneumonia or tuberculosis is present. If in doubt, a medical professional should be consulted promptly for accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.