What is phthisis (pulmonary tuberculosis)?

From the Guidelines

Phthisis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis, is a chronic and progressive infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, characterized by symptoms such as cough, weight loss, and fatigue.

Key Characteristics of Phthisis

• It is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body [ 1 ]
• The disease is typically spread through the air when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or talks, releasing droplets that contain the bacteria [ 1 ]
• Phthisis can be diagnosed through a combination of clinical evaluation, chest radiography, and microbiological examination of sputum specimens [ 1 ]

Treatment of Phthisis

• The treatment of phthisis typically involves a combination of medications, including isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, which are usually administered for a duration of 6-12 months [ 1 ]
• The specific treatment regimen and duration may vary depending on the severity of the disease, the patient's response to therapy, and the presence of any drug resistance [ 1 ]
• Directly observed therapy (DOT) is a recommended approach to ensure adherence to the treatment regimen and prevent the development of drug resistance [ 1 ]

Importance of Early Diagnosis and Treatment

• Early diagnosis and treatment of phthisis are critical to preventing the spread of the disease and reducing the risk of complications and mortality [ 1 ]
• Healthcare providers should be aware of the signs and symptoms of phthisis and promptly evaluate patients with suspected tuberculosis [ 1 ]

From the FDA Drug Label

The FDA drug label does not answer the question.

From the Research

Definition of Phthisis (Pulmonary Tuberculosis)

• Phthisis, also known as pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), is a chronic infectious disease caused by the bacterium Mycobacterium tuberculosis that primarily affects the lungs 2, 3.
• It is characterized by symptoms such as coughing, chest pain, and weight loss, and can lead to wasting and other complications if left untreated 2, 3.
• The disease can also affect other parts of the body, including the kidneys, spine, and brain, although pulmonary TB is the most common form 4.

Clinical Characteristics

• Patients with pulmonary TB often experience significant weight loss and wasting, which can be associated with anemia and other nutritional deficiencies 2, 3.
• The disease can also cause inflammation and damage to lung tissue, leading to symptoms such as coughing and shortness of breath 5.
• In some cases, pulmonary TB can lead to more severe complications, such as cavitation and hemoptysis (coughing up blood) 3.

Related Conditions

• Phthisis is distinct from other chronic diseases, such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and chronic wasting disease (CWD), although these conditions can share similar symptoms and characteristics 5, 6.
• COPD is a progressive lung disease characterized by airflow limitation and inflammation, while CWD is a prion disease that affects deer and other cervids 5, 6.