Pulmonary tuberculosis: Epidemiological and clinical aspects and functional repercussions

Abstract

Introduction: Pulmonary tuberculosis remains a significant public health issue, with epidemiological, clinical, social, and functional repercussions. Beyond the occurrence of cases, hospitalizations, and deaths, the disease shows a heterogeneous distribution across different population groups and geographic areas; it can also be associated with respiratory impairments and functional limitations, persisting even after treatment completion. Objective: To analyze and characterize, in a descriptive and integrated manner, the available evidence regarding three complementary dimensions of pulmonary tuberculosis: the epidemiological and hospital profile, clinical and care-related aspects, and respiratory and functional repercussions during the disease and after treatment, considering the specificities of each dimension without presupposing causal relationships or direct associations between the different outcomes investigated. Methods: This is an integrative literature review of a qualitative and descriptive nature. The search was conducted on September 29, 2026, in the PubMed/MEDLINE, SciELO, and BVS databases, using MeSH and DeCS descriptors and free-text terms related to pulmonary tuberculosis, epidemiological, clinical, and hospital aspects, respiratory and functional repercussions, and rehabilitation. A total of 130 records were identified; after removing 40 duplicates, 90 underwent screening, 30 proceeded to full-text evaluation, and 12 studies comprised the final sample. Results: Epidemiological and hospital-based studies predominated, demonstrating temporal, geographical, and sociodemographic differences in the occurrence of pulmonary tuberculosis, as well as in hospitalizations, deaths, and the demand for care. Evidence regarding clinical, diagnostic, and social aspects, as well as the continuity of care, was also identified. Among the studies included in this review, there was less representation of research focusing on the respiratory and functional consequences of tuberculosis. The studies addressing this area covered aspects related to lung function, functional capacity, muscle strength, and performance in activities of daily living, particularly in the context of post-tuberculosis lung disease. However, this lower representation must be interpreted in light of the adopted eligibility criteria and selection strategy; it cannot be inferred that such consequences are less frequently investigated in the literature as a whole. Quality of life received limited direct and standardized assessment. The broad eligibility criteria contributed to the predominantly epidemiological composition of the sample, thereby limiting the representation of functional outcomes. Conclusion: The evidence more consistently supports the epidemiological and clinical care relevance of pulmonary tuberculosis, whereas its functional impacts remain less explored. Longitudinal studies and standardized assessments are needed to further investigate respiratory function, functional capacity, activities of daily living, quality of life, and the effects of rehabilitation strategies.