Diagnosis and Prevention of Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis is a dreaded disease in third world countries. It is considered disease of poverty. The disease generally occurs due to close contact with the infected person and the droplets causing infection. Tuberculosis of the lungs, known as Pulmonary Tuberculosis is most common. There is generally a history of tuberculosis in the family. The child suffers from low grade and sometimes high grade fever. There is history of weight loss for months. The fever also continues for months, and does not respond to general antibiotics. There is a continuous dry cough though it is not too severe. Sometimes, you can feel lymph glands like nodules. These lymph glands are matted, hard and rubbery. They may also occur in the axilla.

According to Dr. Mubina Agboatwalla-A Child Specialist in Karachi, X-Ray of chest is quite diagnostic in this regard. The physician by looking at the X-Ray can make a clinical diagnosis of tuberculosis. In addition, the ESR is raised. Another diagnostic test is Mantoux Test. This is skin test which is read after 72 hours.  A red induration of more than 10 mm is diagnostic.  Treatment should be started immediately. The total duration of the treatment is 6-8 months. For the initial 2 months, three drugs are given followed by two more drugs. The important thing is to undergo regular treatment without any gaps. This is known as Direct Observation Treatment Strategy (DOTS). The medicines generally cause nausea, anorexia and weakness. The child may pass orange colored urine. Symptoms start to subside after 1 month. Patients tend to stop treatment which is wrong as relapse takes place. Treatment should be completed. Prevention is very important. BCG vaccinations should be given to babies soon after birth which provides protection against tuberculosis.