[Investigation of tracheo-bronchial tuberculosis cases]

A total of 1397 patients were admitted to our hospital between 1986 and 1992. Of those patients, 68 were diagnosed as having tracheo-bronchial tuberculosis, when examined using a bronchofiberscope. We investigated the cases of 50 patients who were examined during the early stages of the diagnosed them as having pulmonary tuberculosis. The number of women in the group was larger than men, and young patients made up 30% of the group. Upon admission to the hospital, all of the patient's sputum examinations were tested positive, but their chest roentgenograms did not show a progressive stage. After treatment, patient roentgenograms showed improvement, however there was no improvement in tracheo or bronchial conditions. It was therefore believed that therapy was impeded by tracheobronchial tuberculosis, but only one patient was treated surgically. It was deemed that the delay of patients seeking treatment was not long, however, the delay for doctors in beginning therapy was very long. Many of the patients with tracheo-bronchial tuberculosis complained of coughing and sputum, therefore diagnosis and therapy should be performed as soon as possible.