In May 28th and 29th, nurses and doctors from the Victor Valla Family Clinicparticipated in the Tuberculosis Clinical Management Seminar. The meeting took place at the National School of Public Health Sergio Arouca and aimed to answer questions about the disease, which is considered a major problem in Brazilian public health. The clinic is part of Integrated Healthcare Territory (Teias) - Manguinhos School project, supported by Fiotec.
From a clinical case, the speaker Monica Kramer kicked off the event, which consisted in analyzing different aspects of care related to tuberculosis. Issues such as signs and symptoms, epidemiological history, diagnosis, treatment and criteria for the investigation of household and work contacts were also discussed.
Major biosecurity measures were also discussed, including those relating to the service organization and flows in attendance, structural (related to ventilation of the environment) and personal protection measures with the use of the most suitable equipment. Health professionals were given a digital device to interactively participate in activities during the meeting. The participants, in each presented step, should assess the best option for the case using the digital application.
Tuberculosis
Tuberculosis is a very old contagious infectious disease, also known as "pulmonary phthisis". The lungs are the most affected organs, but TB can affect the kidneys, skin, bones, lymph nodes. Contagion occurs mainly by droplets made when people with the disease cough, sneeze or talk and release the bacilli into the environment.
Tuberculosis is a very old contagious infectious disease, also known as "pulmonary phthisis". The lungs are the most affected organs, but TB can affect the kidneys, skin, bones, lymph nodes. Contagion occurs mainly by droplets made when people with the disease cough, sneeze or talk and release the bacilli into the environment.
Those who live near the patient inhale these bacilli and may contract the infection and also become sick. It is known that bacilli can remain in the environment for a period of up to 8 hours, even more when the residence is not ventilated.
According to Dr. Celina Boga, from the Health Center, the main symptom of the disease is cough. The person may cough for a long time without, however, thinking of tuberculosis. Other symptoms include poor appetite, weight loss, night sweats, accompanied by a mild fever, which is more common in the late afternoon. There may be greenish, yellow or bloody phlegm. Not always all these symptoms appear together. It is important to pay attention to the cough, especially when it lasts more than three weeks.