Question

Mr Suliasi, the 53-year-old male retired FMF baker, is admitted to the TB ward at the Toomey Hospital because of productive cough of more than 2 weeks, hemoptysis, anorexia, and weight loss. His temperature is slightly elevated every afternoon. After performing a Mantoux skin test, he is considered as a patient suspected with pulmonary tuberculosis.

Using the information about Mr Suliasi, discuss your management of the patient with evidence to support your management

Answer 1

Tuberculosis (TB) bacteria mainly grow in the lungs, but they can infect other parts of the body. Miliary TB is an advanced form of the disease that develops when the bacteria spread through the bloodstream to infect organs beyond the lungs.

TB is an infection caused by a type of bacteria called Mycobacterium tuberculosis (M. tuberculosis).

A TB vaccine called bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG)

Treatment depends on whether a person has active or latent TB.

For people with latent TB, a doctor will recommend preventive therapy, which typically involves taking an antibiotic called isoniazid daily for 6–9 months.

People with active TB usually need to take a combination of antibiotics for 6–12 months. First-line treatment options include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide.

While some people with active TB require a short hospital stay, many can receive treatment at home.

Most people start feeling better and are no longer able to pass on the infection after a few weeks of treatment.

However, it is essential to complete the full course of treatment exactly as the doctor directs to keep the disease from recurring and to prevent the bacteria from becoming resistant to the drugs. Drug-resistant TB is much more difficult to treat and can be very dangerous if a person passes it on to other people.

First-line treatment options include isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, and pyrazinamide. While some people with active TB require a short hospital stay, many can receive treatment at home. Most people start feeling better and are no longer able to pass on the infection after a few weeks of treatment.