Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with a chronic, non-productive or blood-streaked cough, persistent wheezing, and dyspnea. Associated symptoms include low-grade evening fevers, night sweats, unintentional weight loss, and malaise. No history of recent travel to endemic areas or known TB exposure reported.
Clinical Examination Findings
General: Patient appears chronically ill, cachectic. Respiratory: Auscultation reveals localized monophonic wheezing or diminished breath sounds over the affected bronchial segment. No signs of respiratory distress at rest. Lymphadenopathy: No palpable cervical or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy noted.
Treatment Protocol
Initiate standard anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) regimen: 2 months of Isoniazid, Rifampicin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol (HRZE), followed by 4 months of Isoniazid and Rifampicin (HR). Consider adjuvant systemic corticosteroids if bronchial stenosis is imminent. Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) and visual acuity periodically.