How to Treat Pulmonary Tuberculosis AFB (+)?

Pulmonary tuberculosis AFB (+) is a form of tuberculosis in which Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria are detected in the patient’s sputum through direct smear microscopy. This type of tuberculosis is highly contagious and requires timely detection and treatment to prevent further transmission.

• 1. Principles of Treating Pulmonary Tuberculosis AFB (+)
• 2. Treatment Regimen for Pulmonary Tuberculosis AFB (+)
• Recommended Dosages Based on Body Weight:
• 3. Duration of Treatment for Pulmonary Tuberculosis AFB (+)
• 4. Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medications
• 5. Diet and Lifestyle During Treatment
• 6. Regular Follow-ups and Monitoring
• 7. Conclusion

1. Principles of Treating Pulmonary Tuberculosis AFB (+)

Treatment must strictly follow these principles:

• Use the standard tuberculosis treatment regimen as per the Ministry of Health guidelines.
• Take medication at the correct dosage, for the full duration, and do not stop treatment prematurely.
• Combine multiple drugs to prevent drug resistance.
• Closely monitor treatment progress with regular check-ups.
• Prevent transmission by adhering to infection control measures.

2. Treatment Regimen for Pulmonary Tuberculosis AFB (+)

The commonly used regimen for pulmonary tuberculosis AFB (+) is 2RHZE/4RHE, which includes:

Intensive phase (first 2 months): Daily use of four primary drugs:

• Rifampicin (R)
• Isoniazid (H)
• Pyrazinamide (Z)
• Ethambutol (E)

Continuation phase (next 4 months): Maintenance therapy with Rifampicin (R) and Isoniazid (H).

Recommended Dosages Based on Body Weight:

• Rifampicin (R): 10 mg/kg/day
• Isoniazid (H): 5 mg/kg/day
• Pyrazinamide (Z): 25 mg/kg/day
• Ethambutol (E): 15 mg/kg/day

If the patient does not follow the regimen properly or develops drug resistance, the doctor may switch to alternative treatment plans, such as drug-resistant tuberculosis regimens.

3. Duration of Treatment for Pulmonary Tuberculosis AFB (+)

The standard treatment duration is at least 6 months. However, in special cases such as drug-resistant tuberculosis, treatment may extend from 9 months to 2 years, depending on the severity of the condition.

4. Side Effects of Tuberculosis Medications

Patients undergoing tuberculosis treatment may experience side effects, including:

• Digestive issues: Nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, diarrhea.
• Liver damage: Drug-induced hepatitis, jaundice (yellow skin and eyes).
• Nerve damage: Peripheral neuropathy, numbness in hands and feet.
• Allergic reactions: Rash, itching, fever.
• Other side effects: Vision problems, low platelet count, joint pain.

If severe side effects occur, patients should inform their doctor immediately for appropriate management.

5. Diet and Lifestyle During Treatment

A healthy diet and lifestyle can improve treatment effectiveness. Patients should:

• Eat nutrient-rich foods such as meat, fish, eggs, milk, vegetables, and fruits to boost immunity.
• Avoid alcohol and tobacco, as they may reduce drug effectiveness.
• Drink plenty of water to help eliminate toxins.
• Maintain good hygiene, cover their mouth when coughing, and wear a mask to prevent spreading the disease.
• Never stop taking medication early, even if symptoms improve.

6. Regular Follow-ups and Monitoring

Patients must attend follow-up appointments as scheduled to assess treatment progress. Important tests during treatment include:

• AFB sputum tests at months 2, 5, and 6 to evaluate treatment effectiveness.
• Chest X-rays to monitor lung damage.
• Liver and kidney function tests to check for medication side effects.

7. Conclusion

Pulmonary tuberculosis AFB (+) is completely curable if patients strictly follow the prescribed treatment regimen. Taking medication correctly, along with proper nutrition and a healthy lifestyle, enhances treatment success, reduces the risk of relapse, and minimizes community transmission.