Points to Remember:-Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Points to Remember

• TB continues to be the leading killer disease for Indian adults amongst all infectious diseases
• One fifth of the world's TB incident cases are in India
• More than 80% of TB patients have pulmonary TB
• In developing countries, more than 75% of TB patients are in the economically productive age group of 15-45 years
• The WHO recommended DOTS strategy is the most effective tool for TB control
• The DTO has the overall responsibility of implementing the programme at the district level
• Involvement of all sectors of health care is necessary for the control of TB in India

• RNTCP has shifted the responsibility for cure from the patient to the health system
• Sputum microscopy is the recommended diagnostic tool for patients suspected to have pulmonary TB
• Directly observed treatment ensures the best possible results
• Intermittent regimen is as effective as daily regimen and causes lesser side effects
• All treatment regimens in RNTCP have two phases; an intensive phase and a continuation phase

• The most common symptom of pulmonary TB is a persistent cough for three weeks or more
• Sputum samples should be examined as soon as possible and not later than a week after it is collected
• Patients suspected to have pulmonary TB should have three sputum smears examined
• The role of chest X-rays in the diagnosis of pulmonary TB is only supportive
• 2—3% of new adult outpatients in a general clinic will be TB suspects and should be sent for sputum examination
• 10% of TB suspects are expected to have sputum smear-positive pulmonary TB

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Dr Marwah