Medical Insider – Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
What is MDR-TB?
(Part 3)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): We are still in our discussion of MDR-TB. What are the symptoms of persons with this sickness?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Some of the symptoms of people with MDR-TB include: bad Cough for longer than three weeks either dry, yellow or green mucus and in some cases bloody mucus, Weight Loss, Fatigue, Shortness of Breath, Fever, Night Sweats and Lack of Appetite.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): I see.
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: And I would like to stress that MDR-TB causes identical symptoms and involves the same organs as usual TB (weight loss, low-grade fever and tiredness, with cough, sputum production and chest pain if mycobacteria are in the lungs). But the disease will last longer because the mycobacteria are removed more slowly or are not destroyed at all.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What are some of the side effects of MDR-TB
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Some of the side effects are: Hearing loss, joint pain, swelling, itching
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Usually, who are those at high risk of MDR-TB?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Some of those who are at risk for the occurrence of MDR-TB and these are those who are in direct contact with known patients with history of previous TB treatment, rural residents, and those with history of cigarette smoking.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): When should we suspect that a person has MDR-TB?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: MDR TB is suspected in all patients who fail the first-line drug regimen, all patients whose sputum is positive after 4 months of treatment, and all smear-positive contacts of MDR TB patients.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): What types of food are to be avoided by a person who is taking TB mediation?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: People who are taking TB medication should avoid alcohol intake as it can interfere with the treatment by reacting with medicines. They should also restrict coffee and caffeinated drinks to a minimum and increase intake of fluids like water and coconut water. They should also avoid deep-fried food, junk food, and refined products, like sugar, flour, etc. (TO BE CONTINUED)