Refractory Tuberculosis
What is Refractory Tuberculosis?
Refractory tuberculosis (TB) is a form of tuberculosis that is resistant to the regular treatments for tuberculosis. The treatment for refractory TB typically involves a multi-drug regimen. This is because the bacteria that cause TB may become resistant to the most commonly used drugs. Studies have suggested that the risk of developing refractory TB may be as high as 20-30%, depending on the area affected.
Causes of Refractory Tuberculosis
The main cause of refractory tuberculosis is a lack of adherence to the treatment regimen. A patient may become non-compliant with their medication in a variety of ways, such as by missing a dose or not completing the full course of treatment. This can allow the bacteria to become resistant to the drugs being used to treat the TB.
Other causes of refractory tuberculosis include an inadequate dosage of medication, the incorrect combination of drugs being used to treat the disease, or an immune system that is unable to mount an effective response against the bacteria. Additionally, some strains of TB are inherently resistant to standard medications.
Symptoms of Refractory Tuberculosis
The symptoms of refractory tuberculosis are similar to those of regular tuberculosis. These can include:
- Coughing
- Chest pain
- Fatigue
- Night sweats
- Weight loss
- Chills
- Fever
- Abdominal pain
- Loss of appetite
Diagnosis of Refractory Tuberculosis
A diagnosis of refractory TB is typically made when a patient fails to respond to at least two full courses of standard TB treatment. This can be determined through a variety of tests, including sputum smears, blood tests, chest X-rays, and tissue cultures.
Treatment of Refractory Tuberculosis
The treatment of refractory TB typically involves a multi-drug regimen that is tailored to the individual patient’s needs. In some cases, surgery may also be necessary to help the patient regain their health. Treatment typically lasts for several months, but can last up to a year or more in some cases.
In addition to the medications prescribed by a doctor, patients with refractory TB may need to take other steps to help them stay healthy. These can include getting plenty of rest, eating a balanced diet, avoiding contact with people who may be infected with TB, and avoiding situations that may cause them to become re-infected.
Prevention of Refractory Tuberculosis
The most effective way to prevent refractory tuberculosis is to ensure that patients adhere to their medication regimens and complete the full course of treatment. Additionally, people should take steps to avoid contact with those who may be infected with TB, such as avoiding closed, crowded spaces where the disease could easily spread.
