Rey Anthony H.
Chiu
TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, August 24 (PIA) – Boholanos who might have
developed a multi-drug resistant tuberculosis (MDR-TB) may soon no longer
worry as the province’s second satellite treatment center would open at
the Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital within the month.
The first MDR-TB satellite center outside Cebu was at the Don
Emilio del Valle Hospital in eastern Bohol, according to Bohol TB program focal
person Polizena Rances.
Speaking at the recent Kapihan sa PIA to commemorate Lung
Month in October, Rances, who is a nurse by profession, revealed that
MDS-TB patients in Bohol used to come to Cebu for treatment.
She said the bacteria that cause tuberculosis (TB) can
develop resistance to the antimicrobial drugs used to cure the disease.
When the tuberculosis does not respond to most potent anti-TB
drugs isoniazid and rifampicin, then the person has MDR-TB.
Health authorities have aired their concern over the emerging
TB-treatment mismanagement.
While most people with tuberculosis are cured by a strictly
followed, six-month drug regimen that is provided to patients with support and
supervision, inappropriate or incorrect use of antimicrobial drugs, or
ineffective formulations of drugs, self-medication and premature treatment
interruption can cause drug resistance which can then be transmitted,
especially in crowded settings such as prisons and hospitals, Rances bared at
the Kapihan sa PIA recently.
Patients under treatment who stop upon noticing that they are
getting well already are more likely to develop MDR-TB, and would
need even more potent drugs while treatment becomes increasingly
difficult.
When there is treatment available, it is expensive, limited and
are not always available. When it is, some patients may also experience adverse
effects of the drugs.
As drug resistance can be detected using special laboratory tests,
treatment can only be done in special treatment centers, often found in the
regional hubs.
To ease treatment for Boholanos, the Del Valle Hospital MDR
TB Satellite center opened to serve the side of Bohol farther from Cebu, where
the satellite center is located.
Soon however, Boholanos with MDR TB can come to the Gallares
Hospital as the MDR TB opens there soon.
For those who suspect that they might have contracted the disease
can immediately come to Rural Health Centers nearest them for possible
treatment, Rances said.
To those wondering if they are at risk, symptoms which include
cough that is over two weeks old can be immediately referred to a
pulmonary expert.
Sometimes, symptoms also include pain in the chest and back,
shortness of breathing and expulsion of blood through the mouth, but in rare
times, TB cannot be determined because some people do not manifest
symptoms. (rmn/rac/PIA-7/Bohol)