The Reaction of the Tracheobronchial Tree in Children's Tuberculosis of the Lungs

Abstract

Pulmonary tuberculosis in smaller children has a more malign course and therefore the response of the lymphoid glands is stronger, and causes heavier symptoms of compression and stenosis than in older children. Furthermore, such specific changes lead to a stronger disturbance of the neurovascular elements of bronchi and their surroundings. This again is the reason that these stronger functional changes bring about stronger edemata of the mucosa, an increased secretion and, consequently, a possibility of a secondary, non-specific infection. All this renders bronchoscopy the more necessary in these children when there is an indication for it. Our experience shows that bronchoscopy, with the proper tube and correct technique, does not harm the youngest children.