What should I expect after a positive TB test?
After a positive TB test, the patient can expect a trip to the doctor to X -ray and physical to confirm what type of TB he has. Two main types of TB are active and latent TB. Both types will be treated through antibiotics, although the active type will also include regular checks and tests. It can also affect bones, spine, brain and kidneys. Its most common symptoms are fatigue and endless cough. Other symptoms include weight loss, fever, chills and breathing problems.
The TB test is called the skin test Mantoux tuberculin. It includes injection of a small piece of tuberculin purified protein derivative (PPD) into the patient's forearm. About 48 to 72 hours later, a medical expert will be able to read the results of the skin tests of PPD. In a positive TB test, a red and swollen circle will be at the injection site. The size of the circle depends on the health and the age. Although there is a small possibility of a false positive TB test, the chest X -ray would be a determining factor. The most likely reason falsePositive is the previous TB vaccine.
X -ray and test determines whether the patient has an active TB or latent TB. In latent TB , also called TB infection, a person was exposed to TB and bacteria are present in his body, but neither patient nor contagious. In active TB , also called tbce chorey, the person was exposed to bacteria, is present in his body and causes symptoms. The person is also contagious. Only about 10 percent of people who have a positive TB test have active TB. Most healthy people can fight the infection.
If the patient has a latent TB, he must be treated to not become active. Treatment uses a daily antibiotic known as isoniazide , for six to nine months. It is important that the patient uses the pill every day, so the disease does not become active, so bacteria do not become resistant to antibiotics. The patient may need a need during treatmentT regular checks to make sure there are no negative effects from medicines.
If the patient has an active TB, they must take several antibiotics for six months to combat the disease. Four drugs are usually prescribed: isoniazide , rifampin , ethambutol and pyrazinamide . During treatment, the patient will probably also have regular tests and X -rays, as well as sputum and blood tests to check the disease procedure.