PALLIATIVE CARE FOR PATIENTS WITH TUBERCULOSIS : NEED OF THE HOUR

Abstract


BACKGROUND : Palliative care (PC) is a specialized medical care that aims to relieve suffering and improve the quality of life for patients and their families facing life-threatening illnesses, including tuberculosis (TB). Palliative care can be provided alongside disease-directed treatment, beginning at diagnosis and continuing until end of life. A multidisciplinary team is necessary for Palliative care for Tuberculosis patients , including doctors, nurses, psychologists, social workers, nutritionists, and physiotherapists. Palliative care opportunities in TB include managing physical symptoms such as dyspnea, pain, cough, hemoptysis, respiratory secretions, insomnia, anorexia-cachexia, and fatigue. Psychological support is also crucial, as the diagnosis of TB can cause feelings of rage, despair, grief, anxiety, and dread. Social support, provided by TB social workers, can assist patients with TB in treatment compliance, linking to healthcare centers, and financial assistance. Spiritual concerns can also affect coping, and spiritual activities have shown to improve emotional control in TB patients. Nutritional support plays a crucial role in recovery from TB, and co-morbidities such as diabetes and immunosuppression can increase the need for PC. End of life care is provided during the final hours, days, or months of a person's life, and palliative care services extend beyond death to bereavement services for families. Challenges in providing PC in TB include a lack of awareness and misconceptions about PC, the need for advocacy for primary palliation, and the limited availability of medical practitioners with palliative care training. Further studies are needed to guide physicians in the role of PC in TB.

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