Medical Insider – Dr. Bryan Cepedoza
What is MDR-TB?
(Part 5)
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): In summary, Dr. Bryan, last week we focused on the following aspects for the MDR-TB patient: exercise, drink, food, increased risk of developing tuberculosis, precautions to be taken by MDR-TB patients, and strategies to prevent MDR-TB,
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: That’s right.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): How long is the isolation period of patients with MDR-TB?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: If we follow the WHO guidelines for high-income countries, MDR-TB patients are strictly isolated in their rooms until they have three consecutive negative sputum cultures. The most severe cases remain hospitalized for months.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): How do we reduce MDR-TB?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: There are MDR regimens to be followed. It is better that the patient see his doctor for this purpose.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): I will go back to food. Can TB patients eat rice?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: For tuberculosis patients, a nutrient-rich diet is crucial to support recovery. Tb patient food list may include wholesome dish made with rice and food containing protein and essential nutrients
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): As a whole, what is the diet of an MDR-TB patient?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: We have to remember a balanced diet rich in vitamins A, C, D, and E, zinc, iron, and magnesium, found in foods such as sweet potatoes, citrus fruits, fatty fish, nuts and seeds, lean meats, and leafy greens, can help support the proper functioning of the immune system, promote healing, and improve bone health and wound healing in patients.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): How do we stop TB from becoming active?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: The risk of infection can be reduced by using a few simple precautions which I have earlier mentioned. Some of these include the following: good ventilation: as TB can remain suspended in the air for several hours with no ventilation; natural light: UV light kills off TB bacteria; good hygiene: covering the mouth and nose when coughing or sneezing reduces the spread of TB bacteria.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): How do we boost the immune system to fight TB?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Vitamin D can help the immune system fight tuberculosis. Vitamin D improves the immune system’s ability to fight the tuberculosis bacterium, Mycobacterium tuberculosis.”
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): By the way, is apple good for a TB patient?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: Yes, apple juice can be beneficial for TB patients as it contains antioxidants that can boost the immune system.
The Bohol Tribune (TBT): Ideally, what should a TB patient eat for breakfast?
Dr. Bryan Cepedoza: We have food references for pulmonary tuberculosis patients. Initially, breakfast should present light, easy-to-eat foods such as porridge, pho, noodles, vermicelli, a little soft fruit,… Besides, the patient can drink more water to rehydrate. (TO BE CONTINUED)