STUDY OF CLINICAL FORMS OF PULMONARY TUBERCULOSIS WITH SHORTNESS OF BREATH AND ANALYSIS OF THE PROCESS OF DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a public health concern worldwide, and the clinical forms may vary. Shortness of breath is a common respiratory symptom that requires a careful diagnostic approach to avoid misdiagnosis. This study aims to evaluate the clinical conditions of pulmonary tuberculosis with shortness of breath and analyze the differential diagnosis process. We conducted a retrospective study of 130 patients with active pulmonary tuberculosis presenting with shortness of breath between January 2019 and December 2022 in a tertiary hospital in Uzbekistan. The differential diagnosis process included the analysis of clinical, radiological, and laboratory findings, including sputum culture, acid-fast bacilli staining, and molecular tests. The most frequent comorbidity was chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). A correct differential diagnosis was achieved in 85.4% of the cases, while 14.6% of the patients had an incorrect diagnosis initially. In conclusion, the clinical forms of pulmonary tuberculosis with shortness of breath require careful diagnosis, considering the clinical context and laboratory findings. Collaboration between clinicians and pulmonologists is essential for adequately managing and treating patients with pulmonary tuberculosis.