Non-Drug Care for Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Home Treatments for Managing Tuberculosis in the Lungs
Nov 8, 2009
Pulmonary tuberculosis is a bacterial condition affecting the lungs. The disease is contagious and may be spread via air particles when infected individuals talk, laugh or cough.
Initial medical treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis patients includes antibiotics to kill the bacteria which may last up to nine months.
Once medical treatment has proven successful, patients may be advised of home treatments to reduce chances of the tuberculosis from recurring. One home treatment is healthy eating. Other home treatments can include exercising and healthier living conditions.
Healthy Eating with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Patients who have pulmonary tuberculosis can help their symptoms by visiting a physician for a nutritional plan. A nutritional plan can help address nutritional deficiencies and improve the patient's health.
Some nutritional suggestions for tuberculosis may include:
- taking a prescribed daily multivitamin to obtain recommended nutrients
- drinking high-calorie protein shakes. Add in-season fruits and vegetables to the protein shakes to save money, such as apples during the fall season.
- eating healthier meals by limiting refined foods and choosing leaner meats and poultry
Healthy Exercising with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Pulmonary tuberculosis patients may be advised to start an exercise program. A physician will review an individual's pulmonary status and exercise potential.
A pulmonary program may begin slowly, beginning with short exercise sessions. The intensity and frequency may change as exercise capacity improves. Healthy exercise suggestions with tuberculosis may include:
- walking around the house with periods of rest. A physician will recommend a program based on an initial medical diagnosis and the patient's lung capacity.
- warming up and cooling down exercises to give the body time to adjust before and after exercise.
- measuring individual fitness progress to keep tuberculosis patients from experiencing health relapses.
Healthy Living Conditions with Pulmonary Tuberculosis
Patients living in healthier living environments are less likely to become ill and incur constant medical costs. Patients will be asked about living environments ,so a physician can make suggestions. Healthy living tips for tuberculosis patients may include:
- reducing time around other unhealthy people. For instance, a roommate with a common cold can pose a health risk to a tuberculosis patient because of a weakened immune system.
- opening the windows during nice weather to allow air circulation
- keeping the home recovery room clean by dusting, sweeping and vacuuming regularly. Patients who are unable to perform cleaning duties should ask for help.
Home treatment for tuberculosis patients may be advised for patients who have responded well to initial medical treatment and are willing to follow directions, including healthier eating, exercising and better living conditions.
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