How to diagnose tuberculosis in children
Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis, and children are more susceptible to infection because their immune systems are not fully developed. In recent years, the incidence of tuberculosis has increased globally, and early diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in children are particularly important. This article will introduce in detail the diagnosis method of childhood tuberculosis and provide structured data for readers to better understand.
1. Common symptoms of tuberculosis in children
Symptoms of tuberculosis in children may differ from those in adults. Common symptoms include:
| Symptoms | Description |
|---|---|
| persistent cough | Cough that lasts longer than 2 weeks and may be accompanied by phlegm |
| low fever | Body temperature remains around 37.5°C, especially in the afternoon |
| weight loss | Weight loss without apparent cause |
| Weakness | Easily tired and lack of energy after activities |
| night sweats | Sweating profusely while sleeping |
2. Diagnosis method of tuberculosis in children
The diagnosis of childhood tuberculosis requires a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging examinations and laboratory tests. The following are commonly used diagnostic methods:
| Diagnosis method | Specific content |
|---|---|
| Tuberculin test (PPD test) | Inject tuberculin intradermally and observe the skin reaction to determine whether there is infection. |
| Chest X-ray or CT | Imaging examination can detect lung lesions, such as nodules, cavities, etc. |
| Sputum test | Detection of Mycobacterium tuberculosis by sputum smear or sputum culture |
| blood test | Testing blood for tuberculosis antibodies or interferon gamma release assay (IGRA) |
| bronchoscopy | Suitable for suspected cases with negative sputum examination and directly obtain lung samples |
3. Treatment and prevention of tuberculosis in children
Once diagnosed with tuberculosis, children need to receive standardized anti-tuberculosis treatment. Here are the key points for treatment and prevention:
| Treatment and prevention measures | Specific content |
|---|---|
| antituberculosis drug treatment | It is usually treated with a combination of isoniazid, rifampin, pyrazinamide and other drugs, with a course of treatment of 6-9 months. |
| Regular review | During treatment, imaging and laboratory examinations need to be performed regularly to evaluate the efficacy. |
| Vaccination | Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccination can prevent severe tuberculosis |
| home quarantine | Avoid close contact with unvaccinated children to reduce the risk of transmission |
| nutritional support | Ensure adequate nutritional intake and enhance immunity |
4. Matters that parents need to pay attention to
Parents play an important role in the diagnosis and treatment of tuberculosis in children. Here are some considerations:
1.Seek medical attention promptly: If a child develops persistent cough, low-grade fever and other symptoms, he should seek medical treatment in time to avoid delaying the condition.
2.Take medication as directed by your doctor: Anti-tuberculosis drugs need to be taken for a long time. Parents should ensure that their children take the drugs on time and in the right amount to avoid the development of drug resistance.
3.Watch for drug side effects: Some anti-tuberculosis drugs may cause damage to liver and kidney function. Parents need to closely observe their children's reactions and seek medical advice to adjust the medication regimen if necessary.
4.psychological support: The treatment period for tuberculosis is long, and children may feel anxious or lonely. Parents should provide adequate psychological support.
5.Environmental health: Keep the home environment clean and ventilated to reduce the chance of spreading tuberculosis bacteria.
5. Summary
Early diagnosis and treatment of childhood tuberculosis are crucial to prognosis. Accurate diagnosis can be made through a combination of clinical symptoms, imaging studies, and laboratory tests. Parents should actively cooperate with doctors’ treatment recommendations to ensure that their children successfully complete treatment. At the same time, preventive measures such as vaccination with BCG and maintaining good hygiene habits can also effectively reduce the risk of infection.
We hope that the introduction in this article can help parents better understand the diagnosis methods and precautions for children's tuberculosis, and protect their children's health.
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