Early detection, treatment key to ending tuberculosis

SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) — Early Detection and sustained treatment are key factors in ending tuberculosis.

Pulmonary Medicine Specialist Helarose M. Elisterio, in a press conference, shared gains in tuberculosis treatment with early detection and sustained treatment until it is fully cured.

Elisterio, who is also a member of the Philippine College of Chest Physicians (PCCP) and Antique Medical Society (AMS), reported that in 2023, about 10.8 million people worldwide got ill due to TB.

At the local level, tuberculosis, all forms ranked 8th among the province’s leading causes of morbidity in all age groups and ranked 9th among the leading causes of mortality in 2024.

She also noted that individuals who are immune compromised, those who are undergoing chemotherapy, hemodialysis, diabetics, malnourished, and kids, all belong to the high-risk groups vulnerable to acquiring the disease.

Reports also showed that TB is the leading killer of persons living with HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and a major cause of deaths related to antimicrobial resistance worldwide.

However, Elisterio emphasized that TB is curable with early detection and proper medication, hence, encouraging everyone to seek medical help early on if symptoms occur.

Among the symptoms include chest pain, bloody cough, fever/chills, long-term cough, and unexplained weight loss among other indications.

Patients are reminded to finish their treatment to avoid becoming drug-resistant.

She assured that medicines are also available for free in rural health centers thus, those diagnosed with TB are assured of treatment as long as they will comply with the recommendations.

In observance of World TB Day on March 24, the PCCP and AMS enjoin everyone to support the campaign to eradicate tuberculosis. (AGP/PSM/PIA Antique)