How to distinguish pneumonia and tuberculosis in children

How to diagnose pneumonia and tuberculosis in children?

Generally speaking, pneumonia and tuberculosis in children can be diagnosed by pathogen infection, clinical symptoms and blood test results.

1. Pathogen infection:

Pneumonia may be caused by a variety of pathogens, such as Streptococcus pneumoniae, Haemophilus influenzae, cytomegalovirus, Candida albicans, etc. Pulmonary tuberculosis is usually caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis.

2. Clinical symptoms:

Pneumonia may cause coughing, sputum, high fever, etc., while tuberculosis often causes blood in sputum, hemoptysis, low fever in the afternoon, etc.

3. Blood test results:

If you have pneumonia, blood test results may show an increase in the white blood cell or neutrophil counts. If you have tuberculosis, blood test results may show a significant increase in the lymphocyte and monocyte counts, but generally no significant increase in the white blood cell and neutrophil counts.

In addition to the common judgment methods mentioned above, it can also be judged through imaging examinations. Parents can use the above methods to distinguish whether their children have pneumonia or tuberculosis, but no matter which disease it is, it should be treated in time to avoid further adverse effects on health. Parents usually need to pay attention to keeping their children warm, but also ensure a balanced nutritional intake to reduce the risk of illness.