From the Research
Treatment of Active Tuberculosis (TB)
- Active TB is typically treated by healthcare professionals, including doctors and nurses, who specialize in infectious diseases or pulmonary medicine 1, 2, 3, 4.
- The treatment of active TB usually involves a combination of antibiotics, such as isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, and ethambutol, which are administered for a period of 6 to 12 months 2, 4.
- Directly-observed therapy (DOT) is a common approach used to treat active TB, where a healthcare worker observes the patient taking their medication to ensure adherence to the treatment regimen 2.
- In some cases, virtual treatment monitoring using digital technologies may be used to provide a more patient-centered approach to care 2.
Healthcare Professionals Involved in TB Treatment
- Pulmonologists: specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of lung diseases, including TB 3.
- Infectious disease specialists: specialize in the diagnosis and treatment of infectious diseases, including TB 3.
- Primary care physicians: may be involved in the initial diagnosis and treatment of TB, and may refer patients to specialists for further care 4.
- Nurses: play a crucial role in the treatment of TB, including administering medications, monitoring patient progress, and providing education and support to patients and their families 1, 2.
Settings for TB Treatment
- Hospitals: TB treatment may be provided in hospital settings, particularly for patients with severe or complicated cases of TB 3.
- Clinics: TB treatment may be provided in clinic settings, including specialized TB clinics or primary care clinics 4.
- Community health centers: TB treatment may be provided in community health centers, which may offer a range of health services, including TB diagnosis and treatment 1, 2.