How to diagnose tuberculosis?
Prof HPS Sachdev,
Senior Consultant Pediatrics,
Sitaram Bhartia Institute of Science and Research,
New Delhi
Q: My son tested positive for TB and index value is 2.1 He is taking Rinizide Forte-DT with Polybion, Fefol, Dexorange & Aptimum. Only Aptimum and Renizide are taken twice a day while the rest only once. Now he is having fever for nearly a month and is taking Zenoxim 250mg twice a day with Nimesulide for fever. He complaints of pains in the joints and his eosinophils are 16%. He is also taking Banocide forte 3 times a day for eosinophilia. Kindly advise how long has he to be medicated. He is taking the above mentioned medicines for 2 months. Rajeswari Nagesh
A:The usual test for diagnosing tuberculosis is Mantoux test in combinationwith clinical profile. It is not clear as to what index has been used todiagnose tuberculosis and what was the clinical profile at the time of thisdiagnosis. A specific advise can be only given after a detailed examinationof the child and evaluation of the earlier reports. I would suggest that aspecialist pediatric consultation is taken.