Clinical classification and treatment principles of pulmonary tuberculosis

  Tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease of the respiratory system caused by infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis. The clinical classification mainly includes primary TB, hematogenous TB, secondary TB, TB pleurisy, and other extrapulmonary TB. The typical clinical manifestations of pulmonary tuberculosis are cough, sputum, night sweats, emaciation, and loss of appetite.        The treatment principle of tuberculosis is mainly anti-tuberculosis treatment. The main choice is anti-tuberculosis drugs such as isoniazid, rifampin, ethambutol, bisacodyl, streptomycin, levofloxacin, etc. Anti-tuberculosis drugs are taken in combination, in appropriate dosage, throughout the course of treatment, and regularly.  Generally the initial anti-tuberculosis treatment takes about six months to nine months of treatment. Depending on the extent of the disease, severe cases may require treatment for a year or more. For refractory tuberculosis and multi-drug-resistant tuberculosis, sputum can be taken for drug sensitivity testing to select sensitive drugs for anti-tuberculosis treatment and adjust the treatment plan.  Blood tests, liver and kidney functions, and CT or MRI of both lungs are reviewed at any time during the treatment process. The treatment plan can be adjusted at any time according to changes in the disease and the patient’s physical condition.