Management of TB Patient - Mild and Moderate Underweight

BMI level of less than 18.4 kg/m2 to 16 kg/m2 pose significant effect on disease progression, irrespective of other co-existing conditions

Assess
 

• Look for History of unintended weight loss, appetite, and oral intake, dietary assessment, vital signs, anemia, pedal edema, medical condition, socioeconomic condition, Family History

Advise
 

• Outpatient Care: If ALL following criteria are met: Oral intake is good, ambulatory, vital signs stable, and no medical complication.
• In-Patient Care: If ANY of the criteria are met: Poor oral intake, pedal edema, bedridden, unstable vital signs (pulse rate >100/min, BP < 100 mmHg systolic, respiratory rate >24/min, oxygen saturation <94 percent), medical complications.

• Refer the patient to the nearest CHC or District Hospital for physician consultation.

   

Manage 

• Manage underlying active TB with effective treatment under close supervision and in consultation with Medical Officer DTC / DRTB Center
• Counsel for the balanced diet, and medication dosage. Access hydration & electrolytes (including potassium, and magnesium). Prevent hypoglycemia, and manage appropriately if present.
• Provide Medications other than Anti-TB if comorbidities present.
• Healthy lifestyle: Advice patient to be active as possible. It improves appetite and muscle mass.
• Smoking and alcohol are harmful to TB patients and should be avoided.
• Later, when normal appetite returns, advise 3 meals and at least 2 snacks