Summary

In this study session, you have learned that:

• Sputum examination should be done for all persons suspected of TB who are able to produce sputum; other diagnostic methods (chest X-ray, TB culture) support sputum examination but cannot replace it as the primary tool used for TB diagnosis.
• Treatment for TB consists of the intensive phase (two to three months) followed by the continuation phase (four to six months). Treatment involves a combination of drugs.
• If anti-TB drugs are taken incorrectly or irregularly, the patient will not be cured and drug-resistance may develop.
• Health workers have to take an active role in ensuring that every TB patient takes the recommended drugs, in the right combinations, on the correct schedule, for the appropriate periods of time.
• Anti-TB drugs are given under DOTS for the first two months for Category I and III patients, and for the whole course for re-treatment cases.
• If a patient has major side-effects related to the anti-TB drugs, refer the patient to a clinician or hospital. If the patient has minor side-effects, reassure the patient and give advice on how to relieve the symptoms.