Tuberculosis is a common infectious disease worldwide, which can lead to death. Answering the question, the phthisiatrician - who it is, should give a clear definition of this medical specialization. He is a specialist in the diagnosis, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis.
The phthisiatrician - who and what heals?
Phthisiology is engaged in research, prevention and treatment of tuberculosis diseases. Given the fact that this disease affects not only the respiratory system, but also other internal organs, it is important to identify tuberculosis in a timely manner and throw all the forces into the fight against the disease. If we consider in more detail what kind of doctor the phthisiatrician is, then we need to focus on the affected organs, which are treated by this specialist.
What does the TB doctor cure?
The question, the phthisiatrician doctor - who it is and the treatment of which organs it deals with, requires detailed consideration. Tuberculosis affects not only the lungs, but also other organs and systems, which are treated and infected by this doctor. It can be:
- lungs;
- joints and bones;
- leather;
- kidney and adrenal glands;
- urogenital system;
- organs of vision;
- lymphonoduses;
- the medullary membrane;
- abdomen.
Where do phthisiologists work?
Based on the disease that the TB physician treats, the place of work of such a specialist in most cases is a public or private medical institution. The place of work of a specialist in the field of phthisiology can be:
- polyclinic;
- hospital of the multidisciplinary plan;
- tuberculosis;
- an office in a private clinic;
- research institutes.
When should I contact a TB doctor?
There are a number of symptoms in which it is recommended that you consult a doctor to detect or exclude the presence of tuberculosis in a timely manner. The phthisiatrician - who it is and when it is necessary to go to his reception - is important to know in order to avoid serious problems. Tests, which are more often used for diagnostics by the phthisiatrist: mantoux and dyskintest. Experienced experts call the symptoms, identifying which, it is recommended to immediately consult a doctor:
- cough that does not stop more than three weeks;
- causeless weight loss;
- Significantly decreased appetite;
- expectoration of sputum, mucus and, especially, blood;
- temperature increase;
- weakness, dizziness, impotence;
- night sweating;
- pain in the chest.
How does the phthisiatrician take the procedure?
The first thing that any doctor starts with is an anamnesis. That is, the reception of a phthisiatrician begins with the collection of information about previous diseases, heredity, lifestyle, professional activity and medical history, if the diagnosis was previously made. When you get an appointment with a phthisiatrician, you need to be prepared for the fact that tests, an X-ray, analyzes, etc., will probably be prescribed.
What does the phthisiatrist check at the reception?
In addition to the fears of tuberculosis, it is not uncommon for various institutions to require a phthisiatrician to report the absence of tuberculosis and then a visit to the doctor is mandatory. The first and the main thing that the phthisiatrician checks at the reception is the results of the tests (blood, feces, urine) that were previously prescribed. Then X-rays and / or fluorography. If a mantu was made, a specialist examines it for a positive reaction. In addition, a visual inspection of the condition of the lymph nodes, which may indicate the presence of infection in the body.
How does a TB doctor determine tuberculosis?
Modern methods of diagnosing tuberculosis can identify the disease in the early stages. The phthisiatrician is engaged in diagnostics (who it, we have told above). To understand how an infection is diagnosed, the methods of diagnosing tuberculosis should be considered, which are considered to be the most effective.
- Mantoux . This is a tuberculin test aimed at detecting tuberculosis by examining skin reactions after a cutaneous or intradermal effect.
- Diaskintest . This drug is able to detect tuberculosis at the earliest stages. In fact, this is a test in which antigens are injected under the skin to determine the body's response (interferon). In case the organism is familiar with this allergen, the answer to the tests will be positive.
- Fluorography. This method of diagnosing tuberculosis is very popular - every phthisiatric specialist can see the presence of pathology.
- X-ray. This method is similar to fluorography, but it is a better image, which is obtained due to increased radial load during the imaging.
- CT scan. This method involves obtaining accurate data without the presence of a radiation load. This is a fundamentally new fundamental method of research not only in the field of phthisiology. When conducting spiral CT it is possible to obtain the results of the study in a volumetric image.
- Microbiological seeding. This method helps to identify pathogens of tuberculosis in the body by examining biological material (sputum, mucus, bronchus contents).
- Hepatic test. This is a series of tests that help determine the presence of pathogens of tuberculosis, by examining the liver.
- Inoculation of urine. This analysis is aimed at identifying microbacteria of tuberculosis in the urine. It is prescribed in the absence of diseases such as cystitis, pyelonephritis, prostatitis, etc.
Prevention of tuberculosis
Preventive measures to prevent tuberculosis - an important point that should not be neglected. This disease is gaining momentum, although there are many methods of diagnosis, through which you can recognize the ailment in the earliest stages. Children are more susceptible to this disease, therefore in childhood, preventive measures have a systematic approach.
- The very first preventive measure is still in the hospital. If during the first week of the child there are no complications with health, then he is vaccinated with BCG.
- Mantoux tests are conducted annually for children, and it should be reported that it is harmless.
Preventive measures are equally important for adults. The doctor is a phthisiatrician, tuberculosis for which not only the ailment to be treated, but also a disease requiring maximum measures for its prevention.
What you need to pay attention to reduce the risk of getting tuberculosis:
- Quality of food. It must be rational and balanced.
- Favorable working conditions.
- Refusal from abuse of alcohol, smoking, drugs.
- Quality of living conditions.
- Doing an active lifestyle, playing sports.
- Observance of personal hygiene.
- Measures aimed at strengthening immunity.
- Improvement of the body by visiting resorts, sanatoriums and dispensaries.