Tuberculous infection of the lungs is the most common form of the tuberculosis disease and can be divided into two main types: primary and post-primary infection. It is generally contracted through the inhalation of infected droplets, usually the result of a cough or sneeze, from an individual with active infection. Once inhaled the infection enters the lungs where it manifests itself as a primary complex (Primary TB). The primary infection goes into a state of incubation during which it multiplies on a small scale, reducing the immune system's ability to identify its presence. Only approximately 10% of people infected with mycobacterium tuberculosis will progress into active disease, for those that do progress it usually occurs in the first few years after infection although tuberculosis is known to lie in latency for many years. Post-primary, chronic or adult type tuberculosis is the reactivation of infection in an individual who has previously suffered from primary TB.

Active infection does not always produce any symptoms although fever and night sweats, not dissimilar to the effects of pneumonia; skin dullness; weight loss; an increased respiratory rate and haemoptysis (coughing up blood or blood stained sputum) have all been noted amongst patients suffering from TB. In addition abnormalities may be seen in plain radiographic images or in tomographs. In primary TB consolidations may be seen but cavities usually only present in more advanced infection or post-primary TB. The upper lobes of the lungs are predominantly affected and enlargement of the hilar gland is often noted. Upon improvement calcifications may also form in the lungs which can be seen radiographically.

In Stannington Pulmonary TB was divided into numerous categories:

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