In simple words: Primary respiratory TB is a lung infection caused by bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It's common in young children who haven't been exposed to the bacteria before. It spreads through the air when someone with TB coughs, sneezes, or talks. Symptoms include trouble breathing, coughing (sometimes with blood), chest pain, tiredness, weight loss, fever, and sweating at night. Doctors diagnose it through tests like chest X-rays and sputum analysis. Treatment involves taking antibiotics for at least six months.

Primary respiratory tuberculosis, often referred to as primary TB, is a form of tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs. It is caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis, typically contracted through airborne transmission from an infected person's cough, sneeze, or speaking.This form of TB often affects babies and young children under five years old who have not previously been exposed to the bacteria. Symptoms can vary and may include difficulty breathing, persistent cough (potentially with blood or mucus), chest pain, wheezing, fatigue, weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, medical history review, and tests such as chest X-rays, CT scans, bronchoscopy, tuberculin skin tests, and sputum analysis. Treatment usually involves a 6-month or longer course of multiple antibiotics, often administered under direct observation to ensure adherence.

Example 1: A 3-year-old child presents with a persistent cough, fever, and weight loss. Following diagnostic tests, including a positive tuberculin skin test and chest X-ray findings consistent with TB, the child is diagnosed with primary respiratory tuberculosis (A15.7)., An infant displays symptoms like poor feeding, lethargy, and failure to thrive. After a thorough examination and tests, including a positive culture from a gastric aspirate, the infant receives a diagnosis of primary respiratory tuberculosis (A15.7). , A 4-year-old child, exposed to a family member with active pulmonary TB, exhibits a cough and mild fever. Diagnostic tests reveal a positive tuberculin skin test and chest X-ray suggestive of TB, confirming a diagnosis of primary respiratory tuberculosis (A15.7) despite the child's relatively mild symptoms.

Documentation for A15.7 should include evidence of Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection, such as positive sputum cultures, chest X-ray findings (e.g., infiltrates, cavities, lymphadenopathy), and results of tuberculin skin tests or interferon-gamma release assays (IGRAs). Clinical findings like cough, fever, weight loss, and night sweats should also be documented. Details of exposure to individuals with active TB, treatment regimens (including specific medications and duration), and follow-up assessments are essential.