The treatment for tuberculosis, also known as multi-drug resistant (MDR) or extensively drug resistant (XDR) TB, is a long and complex process. It requires strict adherence with medications and frequent testing for drug resistance strains of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. TB Resistance, also called multi-drug resistance (MDR) and extensively drug resistant TB (XDR), is a significant problem in the fight to eradicate TB. This has led a dramatic increase of the disease burden worldwide.
The Cure for Tuberculosis
The most effective treatment for TB is taking antibiotics. Usually, this is done in combination with drugs that are easier on the body. During the treatment you may experience fatigue, loss in energy and severe symptoms for several days or weeks. Although this can be a difficult time, it's important to take your medication so you can stay healthy and get well.
You may be required to have a health professional watch you closely while taking your medicine. This is called directly observed therapy or DOT, and it can help you stick to your medications.
If you're taking antibiotics or have another reason for wearing a mask, your doctor might ask you to do so. It will protect you from spreading the bacteria. This is an excellent idea, particularly for young children and seniors who may have weakened systems.
If you have latent TB, your doctor will treat you to kill off the germs that are still in your body but not causing any symptoms. This is the commonest type of treatment.
Most often, your doctor recommends that you take isoniazid (the most effective antibiotic for latent TB) or rifampin. Other medications may be prescribed if there is a high chance of reactivation. For example, if you have HIV.
You will have a physical test, blood tests and chest X-rays before starting treatment. This will give the doctor a clearer picture of how you are doing. The doctor will also examine your sputum in order to determine if it contains Mycobacterium tuberculosis or if the strain is resistant to drugs.
Rarely, the antibiotics prescribed to treat TB could cause damage to your eyes. It is important to report any changes in your vision, such as blurred vision or difficulty seeing.
Tell your doctor right away if you have jaundice or nausea during treatment. This can be a result of the antibiotics.
During the course of treatment or when you receive a sputum TB test, your GP and/or specialist TB team may check your eye regularly. You will be prescribed a B6 vitamin supplement to help reduce this risk.
A steroid could be included in your treatment to reduce inflammation. A diet high in iron, zinc and folic acid can also help improve your outcome.
FAQ
How do I get health insurance free in my locality?
If you are eligible, you can apply for free insurance. You might be eligible under Medicaid, Medicare, CHIP or Children's Health Insurance Program.
How can I ensure my family has access quality health care?
Most likely, your state has a department or health that ensures everyone has affordable healthcare. There are programs that cover low-income families and their children in some states. For more information on these programs, contact the Department of Health of your state.
What should I know about immunizations?
Immunization refers the process of activating an immune response in response to a vaccine. The body creates antibodies (immunoglobulins), in response to the vaccine. These antibodies protect against infection.
What is the difference of a doctor and physician?
A doctor is an individual who has completed his/her training and is licensed to practice medicine. A physician is a doctor who specializes in a particular area of medicine.
What are the major functions of a system for health care?
The health system must provide quality medical services at affordable prices to all people.
This includes providing preventive health care, promoting healthy lifestyles, and appropriate treatment. This includes equitable distribution of health resources.
What is a health care system?
The health system encompasses all aspects of care from prevention to rehabilitation and everything between. It includes hospitals. clinics. pharmacies. community services. public health, primary and long-term health care. home care. mental health and addictions. palliative, end-of life care. emergency medicine. research, education. financing. and regulation.
Health systems are adaptive complex systems. They can have emergent qualities that cannot be predicted if you only look at individual components.
Health systems are complex and difficult to understand. This is where creativity shines.
Creativity can help us solve problems that we don’t have the answers to. Our imaginations are used to invent new ideas and improve things.
People who think creatively are essential for health systems because they are always changing.
The ability to think creatively is key to improving the functioning of health systems.
What are the main goals of a system for healthcare?
Healthcare systems should have three primary goals: Provide affordable healthcare, improve health outcomes and reduce costs.
These goals have been combined into a framework called Triple Aim. It is based in part on Institute of Healthcare Improvement's (IHI) research. IHI published this in 2008.
The idea behind this framework is that if we focus on all three goals together, we can improve each goal without compromising any other goal.
This is because they aren't competing against one another. They support each other.
As an example, if access to care is improved, fewer people die from inability to pay. This decreases the overall cost associated with care.
Improving the quality of care also helps us achieve the first aim - providing care for patients at an acceptable cost. It also improves outcomes.
Statistics
- The healthcare sector is one of the largest and most complex in the U.S. economy, accounting for 18% of gross domestic product (GDP) in 2020.1 (investopedia.com)
- The health share of the Gross domestic product (GDP) is expected to continue its upward trend, reaching 19.9 percent of GDP by 2025. (en.wikipedia.org)
- Foreign investment in hospitals—up to 70% ownership- has been encouraged as an incentive for privatization. (en.wikipedia.org)
- About 14 percent of Americans have chronic kidney disease. (rasmussen.edu)
- For the most part, that's true—over 80 percent of patients are over the age of 65. (rasmussen.edu)
External Links
How To
How to find home care facilities
People who need assistance at home are assisted by home care facilities. This includes elderly people who do not want to leave their homes, disabled people who cannot move around independently, and those who suffer from chronic illnesses such as Alzheimer's disease. These facilities offer services such as personal hygiene, meal preparation and laundry, cleaning, medication reminders, transportation, and so on. They often work in close collaboration with social workers, medical professionals, and rehabilitation specialists.
Referrals from friends, family members or local businesses are the best way to locate a home care provider. Once you have identified one or more providers, you should ask about their qualifications as well as their experience. It is important to find a provider who can work flexible hours in order to fit your schedule. Also, make sure they offer emergency assistance 24/7.
Ask your doctor or nurse to refer you. If you don’t know where to begin, search online for “home health care” or “nursing home”. You could also use websites such as Yelp, Angie's List and HealthGrades or Nursing Home Compare.
For further information, you may call the Area Agency on Aging (AAA), or Visiting Nurse Service Associations (VNA). These organizations will have lists of agencies in your area that specialize in providing home care services.
Because many home care agencies charge high fees, it is essential to choose a reliable agency. In fact, some agents charge up to 100 percent of a patient’s annual income. This is why it is important to select an agency that has been highly rated by The Better Business Bureau. Ask for references from previous clients.
Some states even require homecare agencies that register with the State Department of Social Services. Check with your local government office to see what agency registration requirements apply to you.
There are many things you need to remember when selecting a Home Care Agency:
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Avoid any company asking you to pay upfront for services.
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Be sure to choose a reliable and established business.
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Particularly if you pay out-of-pocket, be sure to get proof of insurance.
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You must ensure that the state licenses your agency.
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Request a written contract outlining all costs associated with hiring the agency.
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Verify that follow-up visits are provided by the agency after discharge.
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Ask for a list if credentials and certifications.
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Do not sign anything without reading it first.
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Take the time to read all fine print.
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Verify that the agency is insured and bonded.
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Ask how long the agency is in operation.
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Verify that the State Department of Social Welfare has licensed the agency.
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Find out whether there are any complaints against the agency.
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For information on home care agencies, contact your local government department.
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You should ensure that the person answering the phone has the qualifications to answer your questions about homecare.
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Talk to your accountant or attorney about the tax implications for home care.
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Always get at least three bids for each home care agency you contact.
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Choose the lowest bid, but do not settle for less than $30 per hour.
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Be aware that you may be required to pay for more than one visit to a local home care agency each day.
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When signing contracts, read everything carefully.