Tuberculosis (TB) is a serious infectious disease caused by the Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria that primarily affects the lungs, but can also involve other parts of the body. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to prevent severe complications and spread of the disease to others.
TB is primarily caused by the inhalation of airborne droplets from a person with active TB. TB is spread through the air when a person with an active infection coughs, sneezes, talks, or laughs.
Symptoms of TB in children
- Persistent cough that lasts for more than 2 weeks, may be accompanied by mucus or blood-streaked sputum.
- Unremitting fever persisting for more than 2 weeks, may be associated with night sweats.
- Weight loss or poor weight gain
- Loss of appetite
- History of contact with someone with active TB in the past 2 years
- Persistently swollen lymph nodes in the neck or armpits
- Persistent abdominal pain
Diagnosis of TB in Children
One or more of the following tests may be done depending on whether pulmonary or extra-pulmonary TB (TB outside lungs) is being suspected based on clinical assessment:
- Sputum Test or gastric aspirate
- Chest X-ray ± CT scan of chest
- Tuberculin Skin Test (TST) also known as the Mantoux test
- Ultrasound abdomen
- Needle aspiration test from lymph nodes
Treatment
The standard treatment for TB involves a regimen of multiple anti-TB drugs, known as anti-tubercular therapy (ATT) to be taken daily for a minimum period of 6 months. Regular follow up with a pediatrician trained in management of pediatric TB is essential to ensure complete cure and to monitor for treatment related side-effects.