If possible, the examination and treatment of tuberculosis should be carried out by or in consultation with experienced pediatricians.

As with adults, if tuberculosis is suspected, an X-ray examination of the chest (medical term: thorax) and, if necessary, further examinations are necessary. The resulting radiation exposure is relatively low and, in suspected cases, less harmful to the child than overlooked pulmonary tuberculosis.

If the findings are conspicuous, an attempt should be made to detect the tuberculosis bacteria. In adults, this is usually done by sputum examination. However, many children find it difficult to cough up a sputum sample for laboratory testing. In this case, a thin tube is inserted into the stomach to obtain a sample of gastric juice. As the bacterial load in children is often very low, it is possible that no bacteria can be detected. If there are sufficient other indications of tuberculosis, treatment is still necessary. As with adults, the medication is dosed according to body weight, although the dosage may differ from that for adults. The chances of recovery are very good if the medication is taken regularly and in full for the entire duration of treatment. If side effects occur, these should be discussed with the treating doctors and the treatment should not be interrupted independently. A solution can usually be found to continue the treatment in a way that is tolerable for the child and cures the tuberculosis.