[Pulmonary manifestations of tuberculosis in childhood]

We mention the major pathogenous characteristics of a tuberculosis infection. Immunity to tuberculosis and tuberculin allergy are connected with each other but are not identical reactions of the organism. We describe the well-known complications in primary infections, namely the primary focus and the formation of lymph nodes. The peripheral primary focus generally regresses after treatment. However, the hilar lymph nodes sometimes increase in size even after appropriate medication (autonomous activity of some lymph nodes). If x-ray films reveal segmental changes and if there is evidence of viral or mycoplasma infection, tuberculosis should be taken into consideration as a parallel disorder because these infections often pave the way for tuberculosis. In the stage of early generalisation miliaria may occur within 3 months of infection. In most cases miliaria escapes detection. Pleurisy involves tuberculosis bacteria entering the pleural cavity. One of the prerequisites of pleurisy is hyperergia of the pleura. If the patient has tuberculotic pleurisy it means that miliaria has already occurred and miliary tuberculosis need not be anticipated. We also mention secondary diffusion into the apex of the lung and its consequences.