Tuberculosis was under control until recently. However, due to the emergence of drug resistant and new strain bacteria it is again becoming a challenge to the health authorities.
Pulmonary tuberculosis
This is a disease of lung, pleurae or mediastinal lymph nodes caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. This disease is seen in all age groups but highly susceptible to three years of age.
They are most common in poor communities due to poverty, poor sanitation, housing state, nutrition and overcrowding,etc.;And also seen in people who are addicted to tobacco, alcohol, etc.
The causative organism of tuberculosis includes two species M.tuberculosis and M.bovis.
TYPES
1) Primary tuberculosis
2) Post primary tuberculosis.
Primary tuberculosis
The primary infection usually occurs in childhood and in the majority of patients, the primary infection produces no symptoms or signs and passes unnoticed until routine radiological examination of the chest happens to be performed at the appropriate time.
Clinical features
1) Asymptomatic type
This is the commonest type and Ghon's focus in the X-ray and positive Mantoux test is the evidence of past infection.
2) Febrile type
Fever ranging from 37.5 - 39.5 c -lasting for 1 to 2 weeks.
3) Allergic type
The patient shows erythema nodosum, or phlyctenular keratitis, conjunctivitis or both.
4) Progressive type
Patient may develop tuberculosis pneumonia, bronchopneumonia, pleurisy, pleural effusion. Military tuberculosis, and tuberculosis meningitis, lobar or segmental collapse.
POST PRIMARY TUBERCULOSIS
The onset of post primary tuberculosis is usually insidious, with gradual development.
General symptoms are cough and sputum. The lesions are most frequently situated in the upper lobes. Sometimes the dramatic event like hemoptysis, pleural pain or spontaneous pneumothorax marks the onset. The earliest physical sign includes few crepitations, physical signs of consolidation, cavitations and fibrosis.
INVESTIGATIONS
1) Mantoux test shows a positive reaction.
2) Sputum examination
3) X RAY -chest (PA) may show enlarged hilar nodes with sub pleural lesion.
4) ESR (Erythrocyte Sedimentation Rate) is raised.
Homeopathic treatment-
From my clinical experience, it is found that instead of trying homeopathic medicines alone, a combined therapy is highly effective.
