How much time required for the treatment of TB in severe cases. what are the precautions to be taken?
Most cases of tuberculosis can be cured within 6 months if appropriate drugs are given. As per revised national TB control programme,the following are exceptions: 1)Smear positive relapses 2)Smear positive failure cases 3)Smear positive patients being treated after default The sbove 3 require about 8 months treatment 4)Tuberculous meningitis patients have to be treated for 8 to 9 months Some orthopedic consultants advise 9-12 months treatment for TB spine with neurological involvement. The above are general guidelines.The treating doctor will monitor the case with periodic sputum and other exam as appropriate and decide on duration of treatment. A smear positive patient poses little risk to others if drugs are taken regularly,They should cover the mouth while coughing sneezing ,avoid indiscriminate spitting.Sputum collected in a separate enamel cup with some antiseptic and disposed.Paper cups can also be used and burnt.
