Tuberculosis

Question 1

What is the typical history associated with tuberculosis?

Answer 1

Persistent cough, night sweats, weight loss, fever. History of exposure to TB or travel to endemic areas. Hemoptysis in advanced cases.

Question 2

What are the key physical examination findings in tuberculosis?

Answer 2

Cachexia (weight loss, muscle wasting). Lymphadenopathy. Dullness to percussion, crackles over affected lung areas.

Question 3

What investigations are necessary for diagnosing tuberculosis?

Answer 3

Tuberculin skin test (TST) or interferon-gamma release assay (IGRA). Sputum smear and culture for Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Chest X-ray showing cavitations or infiltrates.

Question 4

What are the non-pharmacological management strategies for tuberculosis?

Answer 4

Isolate infectious patients. Educate on adherence to treatment regimen. Nutritional support and general health maintenance.

Question 5

What are the pharmacological management options for tuberculosis?

Answer 5

First-line anti-TB drugs: isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, pyrazinamide. Directly observed therapy (DOT) to ensure compliance.

Question 6

What are the red flags to look for in tuberculosis patients?

Answer 6

Severe respiratory distress. Hemoptysis (coughing up blood). Signs of TB meningitis: severe headache, neck stiffness, altered mental status.

Question 7

When should a patient with tuberculosis be referred to a specialist?

Answer 7

Multidrug-resistant TB. TB with HIV co-infection. Extrapulmonary TB. Complications such as severe hemoptysis or TB meningitis.

Question 8

What is one key piece of pathophysiology related to tuberculosis?

Answer 8

Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. Airborne transmission via respiratory droplets. Bacteria infect alveolar macrophages, leading to granuloma formation and chronic inflammation in the lungs.