Home Nursing Care Role in Managing Tuberculosis

Home Nursing Care Role in Managing Tuberculosis

Tuberculosis (TB) is basically a bacterial infection primarily affecting the lungs, but it may also spread to other parts of the body. The bacteria responsible for TB is called Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In the past, Tuberculosis was associated with poor communities due to the factors like poor nutrition, insufficient sanitation, over-crowded living conditions, and inadequate health care system. These factors actually contribute to the spread of the disease. Home nursing care is actually the best fit for this condition.

It is important to note that Tuberculosis has no relation with the status of an individual and anyone can be at risk. Tuberculosis is basically transferred through the air when an infected individual release bacterium into the air by coughing or sneezing. When the other individual breathes in these conditions, they can become infected. Moreover, individuals with weakened immune systems such as those with HIV/AIDS are more susceptible to infection.

Early detection of the disease, appropriate treatment, and access to proper Health Care can be useful for combating Tuberculosis. Home nursing services can be much more useful in managing the disease much more efficiently. PlanCare provides experienced and qualified nurses who can provide you with the best care and support you need in this infection.

 

Tuberculosis Symptoms:

People with Latent Tuberculosis (TB) infection do not feel sick and are not contagious. Latent TB occurs when the bacteria that cause TB are present in the body but are in an inactive state. These individuals do not experience symptoms of TB and cannot spread the infection to others.

However, it is important to note that a small proportion of people with Latent TB may progress to develop active TB disease. This can occur when the immune system becomes weakened, allowing the bacteria to become active and cause symptoms.

Certain factors can increase the risk of developing TB disease, including:

1. Diabetes:

   Individuals with high blood sugar levels, if they are infected with bacteria are more susceptible to developing Tuberculosis disease.

2. Immune system:

   Conditions that weaken the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS increases the risk of developing active Tuberculosis disease.

3. Malnutrition:

   Poor nutrition can weaken the immune system and make individuals more susceptible to Tuberculosis disease.

4. Tobacco:

   Smoking tobacco damages the lungs and weakens the immune system, making individuals more susceptible to Tuberculosis infection.

 

Home nursing care is quite beneficial in controlling Tuberculosis infection. PlanCare’s trained nurses manage the patients so efficiently that Tuberculosis infections do not affect immunocompromised individuals.

When Tuberculosis infection affected the lungs is called pulmonary Tuberculosis and an individual may experience various symptoms of pulmonary Tuberculosis.

• Prolonged cough that may produce phlegm or blood
• Chest pain
• Weakness and fatigue
• Weight loss
• Fever
• Night sweats

It is also important to note that Tuberculosis can also affect other parts of the body such as the brain, spine, glands (lymph nodes), and skin. Symptoms will vary depending on the specific location of the infection.

• Swollen glands
• Body aches
• Swollen joints or ankles
• Pelvic pain
• Pale Urine

 

Tuberculosis Prevention:

If you start the treatment early, it will stop the spread of infection and improve the chance of recovery. Following are the steps to prevent the spread of Tuberculosis infection:

• If you experience symptoms like prolonged cough, fever or unknown weight loss go for medical treatment as soon as possible.
• Go for the complete course of treatment, if the physician prescribed the medicines.
• If you are more susceptible to infection suppose you are in close contact with such people who are Tuberculosis active or you have HIV, immediately go for a Tuberculosis test.
• Cover your mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing or disposing of sputum, avoid contacting other people, and wear a mask, if you have tuberculosis.

PlanCare also offers the services of Lab Tests where a patient will get tested in the comfort of his home. As we know the infected individual has to stay at home to avoid the spread of infection. A qualified and trained staff of PlanCare visits your place, seeing an infected one at home is more convenient than visiting them in the lab or at a facility.

 

Tuberculosis Treatment:

Tuberculosis infection and disease both are treated with antibiotics.

The most commonly used antibiotics are:

• Isoniazid
• Rifampin
• Pyrazinamide
• Ethambutol
• Streptomycin

The course of treatment is to take these medications for 4 – 6 months daily. It is harmful to discontinue the medication without a physician’s advice.

In drug-resistant TB more specific treatment is required as a patient does not respond to standard drugs.

 

Home Nursing Care for Tuberculosis Patients:

It is important that Tuberculosis patient must seek proper medical treatment from a qualified doctor but at the same time, it is not safe for patients to stay in the hospital to seek treatment. As Tuberculosis is a contagious disease and can spread through the air so there might be more chances of infection spreading in the hospital surroundings. It is better for the patient as well as for others that the patient stay at home and take Home nursing services for a better recovery process. PlanCare provides experienced and trained nurses who offer the following services to patients:

Counseling:

• Counseling is one of the major factors in the recovery process for Tuberculosis patients. PlanCare’s Home nursing care offers counseling services to both the patients and their family members. They highlighted the importance of treatment compliance, give education about the disease, and addressed the emotional needs of the patients and their families. They also give education on coughing etiquette so that the risk of transmission to other family members can be minimized.

Support for continuing treatment:

Home nursing care providers offer care to the patients, ensuring that they received proper medical attention at home. PlanCare also facilitates patients with mental illness who require more specialized care along with their usual care for Tuberculosis.

Rehabilitation:

PlanCare’s professional nurses focus on the physical, mental, and vocational rehabilitation of the patients. Additionally, they helped patients to get back into their normal lives by encouraging them to resume work, depending on their individual circumstances.

Nutritional support:

By knowing the importance of proper nutrition for recovery, the Home Nursing Care providers counsel the patients on the importance of a high-protein diet and other nutritional needs, ensuring that the patients receive adequate nourishment.

Overall, this approach demonstrates a holistic and patient-centered care model that addresses not only the medical aspects of Tuberculosis treatment but also the emotional, social, and nutritional needs of the patients and their families.

To book our services, visit our website at plancare.pk or you may contact our team at 0304 1111949