Tuberculous bronchitis in children.

Of 63 children with primary pulmonary tuberculosis who were examined bronchoscopically without particular regard for the usual criteria for the procedure, 18 (28.5 per cent) had visible tuberculous bronchitis.Certain endobronchial lesions resolved spontaneously, others responded to bronchoscopic treatment, and still others persisted despite all efforts.X-ray observations and clinical signs were of limited value in determining prior to bronchoscopy which child would have visible bronchial disease. Bronchoscopy is essential for both diagnosis and treatment of these lesions. Tuberculous bronchitis should be suspected whenever a child who is being treated for pulmonary tuberculosis by conservative means does not improve.