Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis

TB Clinical Features

• Seen commonly in middle-aged and older individuals.
• Patient complains of episodes of fever with chills with evening rise of temperature. Patient becomes tired early.
• Presence of gradual loss of weight.
• Patient has persistent cough with or without hemoptysis.
• Swelling on neck is present which is fim and tender on palpation. When abscess is formed swelling perforates and pus drains out.
• Scrofula is the condition in which there is marked enlargement of cervical lymph nodes with caseation
• necrosis and frequent breakdown of gland.
• As skin is involved by tuberculosis, this is known as lupus vulgaris.
• Tubercular involvement of spine is called as Potts disease.
• When tuberculosis spreads through bloodstream it involves organs such as liver, kidney the disease is known as miliary tuberculosis.

“Importance of studying tuberculosis for healthcare professionals: Questions explained”

• Directly observed treatment strategy adopted by WHO is followed all over the World including India.
• Directly observed treatment means that an observer watches the patient swallowing their tablets.
• DOT ensures accountability of TB services and helps to prevent emergence of drug resistance.

TB Components Of Dots

• Political and administrative commitment at all levels.
• Diagnosis through sputum microscopy
• Uninterrupted supply of short-course chemotherapy drugs.
• Direct observation of drug intake (DOTS)
• Systematic monitoring, evaluation, and supervision at all levels.

“Common challenges in diagnosing and treating tuberculosis effectively: FAQs provided”