Clinical Presentation & Protocol
Patient Usually Complains Of
Patient presents with a persistent productive cough lasting >3 weeks, accompanied by low-grade evening fevers, night sweats, unintentional weight loss, and pleuritic chest pain. No history of recent travel to endemic areas or known contact with active TB cases.
Clinical Examination Findings
General: Patient appears cachectic and febrile. Respiratory: Auscultation reveals localized crackles or bronchial breath sounds, typically in the upper lobes. Lymphatic: Palpable cervical or supraclavicular lymphadenopathy noted. Skin: No evidence of erythema nodosum.
Treatment Protocol
Initiate standard 6-month anti-tubercular regimen: Intensive phase (2 months) with Isoniazid, Rifampin, Pyrazinamide, and Ethambutol; followed by continuation phase (4 months) with Isoniazid and Rifampin. Monitor liver function tests (LFTs) and visual acuity monthly.