TB & Chest/Pulmonology

Tuberculosis (TB) and Chest Medicine is a medical specialty that focuses on the diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of diseases affecting the lungs and respiratory system, with a particular emphasis on tuberculosis. Tuberculosis is a contagious bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, primarily affecting the lungs but potentially involving other organs. TB & Chest specialists manage both pulmonary TB and extrapulmonary TB, along with complications like drug-resistant TB. Beyond TB, this specialty also deals with a wide range of respiratory conditions, including asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, interstitial lung diseases, lung cancer, pleural diseases, and sleep-related breathing disorders. Diagnosis often involves imaging (like chest X-rays and CT scans), pulmonary function tests, sputum analysis, and bronchoscopy. Treatment may include antibiotics, inhalers, steroids, and advanced therapies depending on the condition. TB & Chest Medicine plays a crucial role in public health, especially in countries where TB is prevalent, and is essential for managing both infectious and non-infectious respiratory diseases.