Tuberculosis

Diagnosis of Tuberculosis

Physical Exam: A doctor checks lymph nodes for swelling using a stethoscope to listen to the sounds of the lungs while the patient breathes.

Skin Test: It is known to be the most effective test. A doctor injects a tiny amount of a substance called tuberculin under the skin on the inside of your forearm. The arm is checked for swelling at the injection site.

Blood Tests: The tests confirm or rule out latent or active tuberculosis by measuring the immune system's reaction to TB bacteria.

Imaging Tests: A positive skin test needs a chest X-ray or a CT scan which might reveal lung changes caused by active tuberculosis.

Sputum Tests: These tests are recommended if the patient's chest X-ray shows signs of tuberculosis. The sputum samples are taken from the mucus that comes while coughing.

Treatment of Tuberculosis

Latent TB: A doctor might recommend treatment with medication.

Active Tuberculosis: Doctors prescribe antibiotics for at least 6-9 months.

The dosage and timeline of treatment depends on one's age, overall health, drug resistance, and the site of infection.

Medications

Latent tuberculosis can be treated with one or two types of TB drugs. Active tuberculosis needs several drugs at one time. The most common medications used for the treatment of tuberculosis include:

• Isoniazid
• Pyrazinamide
• Rifampin (Rifadin, Rimactane)
• Ethambutol (Myambutol)

Drug-resistant TB can be treated with antibiotics and injectable medications for about 20-30 months.

Patients are advised to take the full course of therapy and medications as prescribed by a doctor. Stopping treatment abruptly or skipping doses can allow bacteria to live and become resistant to drugs making TB more dangerous and challenging to treat.

DOT

It is a program known as 'Directly Observed Therapy and can help patients stick to their treatment regimen. The medical professional will work with the patient and gives medication so that the patient does not forget to take it.

Recovery

Recovery from tuberculosis usually takes about two weeks of medication and treatment. Patients are advised to confine themselves in their rooms with proper ventilation and take ample precautions against spreading the condition to others.

Patients must complete the course of medicines as prescribed by the doctor. They should continue the treatment even if they feel fine. Regular check-ups are also essential to avoid any relapse.

Living with the Condition

TB is a serious infection. However, it is possible to manage the condition by following the doctor's instructions. Hence, it is important to avoid spreading the disease to others. Strictly avoid going to work or school until the doctor gives the green signal. Maintain social distance while at home by restricting yourself to your room.

Keep yourself separated from family in the home by staying in your own room. It is advised to wear a face mask covering the nose and mouth. Keep a window of your room open to allow air with bacteria out.

• Symptoms and Causes