TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 20(PIA) –Boholanos who might have developed a multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) may have eased worries soon as the province’s second satellite treatment center would open at the GovCelestinoGallares Memorial Hospital within the month.
The first MDR-TB satellite center outside Cebu was at the Don Emilio del Valle Hospital in eastern Bohol, according to Bohol TB program focal person PolizenaRances.
Speaking at the Kapihansa PIA to commemorate the Lung Month in October, Rances, who is a nurse by profession revealed that MDS-TB patients in Bohol used to come to Cebu for treatment.
She said that bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) can develop resistance to the antimicrobial drugs used to cure the disease.
When the tuberculosis does not respond to most potent anti-TB drugs: isoniazid and rifampicin, then the person hasMDR-TB.
Health authorities have aired their concern over the emerging TB-treatment mismanagement.
While most people with tuberculosis are cured by a strictly followed, six-month drug regimen that is provided to patients with support and supervision, inappropriate or incorrect use of antimicrobial drugs, or ineffective formulations of drugs, self-medication and premature treatment interruption can cause drug resistance, which can then be transmitted, especially in crowded settings such as prisons and hospitals, Rances bared at the Kapihansa PIA Thursday.
Patients under treatment who stop upon noticing that they are getting well already, are more likely to develop MDR-TB and would need an even more potent drugs while treatment becomes increasingly difficult.
When there is treatment available, it is expensive, limited and are not always available. When it is, some patients may also experience adverse effects of the drugs.
As drug resistance can be detected using special laboratory tests, treatment can only be done in special treatment centers, often found in the regional hubs.
To ease treatment for Boholanos, the Del Valle Hospital MDR TB Satellite center opened to serve the side of Bohol farther from Cebu, where the satellite center is located.
Soon however, Boholanos with MDR TB can come to the Gallares Hospital as the MDR TB opens theresoon.
For those who suspect that they might have contracted the disease can immediate4ly come to Rural Health Centers nearest them for possible treatment, Rances said.
To those wondering if they are at risk, symptoms which include cough that is over 2 weeks old, can be immediately referred to a pulmonary expert.
Sometimes, symptoms also include pain in the chest and back, shortness of breathing and expulsion of blood through the mouth, but in rare times, TB can’t be determined because some people do not manifest symptoms. (rac/PIA-7/Bohol)
