Patient education: Tuberculosis – Discharge instructions (The Basics)

What are discharge instructions? — 

Discharge instructions are information about how to take care of yourself after getting medical care for a health problem.

What is tuberculosis? — 

Tuberculosis, or "TB," is a disease caused by a specific type of bacteria. It usually affects the lungs, but can also affect other parts of the body. The germ that causes TB can spread through the air, for example, when a person coughs or sneezes.

There are different terms to describe TB:

●"TB infection" – This is when the TB germ is in your body but does not make you sick. You might learn you have it after being exposed to someone with TB and getting tested. TB infection used to be called "latent TB."

●"TB disease" – This is when TB infection makes you sick. This can happen even months or years after getting the infection. This used to be called "active TB."

Both TB infection and TB disease are treated with medicines. The medicines you get, and how long to take them, depend on your situation.

How do I care for myself at home? — 

Ask the doctor or nurse what you should do when you go home. Make sure you understand exactly what you need to do to care for yourself. Ask questions if there is anything you do not understand.

You should also do the following:

●Take your medicines exactly as instructed. It's very important to take all the medicine for it to work. Treatment for TB infection lasts for at least 3 months. Treatment for TB disease lasts for at least 6 months.

Your doctor or nurse might recommend something called "directly observed therapy." This means a health worker, or another person from the health department, watches you take the medicine each day. This is to make sure you take it consistently and correctly.

●Follow all instructions from about how to lower the risk of spreading the infection to others.

●While taking medicines for TB, do not drink alcohol or take acetaminophen (sample brand name: Tylenol). This can increase the risk of liver problems.

What follow-up care do I need? — 

While you are being treated for TB, you need to see your doctor or nurse at least once a month. They will make sure you are taking your medicines correctly. They will also check for any side effects from the medicines. Make sure you know when and where to go for these appointments.

When should I call the doctor? — 

Call for advice if:

●Your symptoms come back or get worse.

●You have new lung symptoms such as:

•Coughing up blood

•Shortness of breath

●You have signs of liver problems, such as:

•Feeling very tired

•Nausea or vomiting

•Having no appetite

•Dark-colored urine

•Jaundice, which is when the skin or white part of the eyes turns yellow

•Belly pain

•Itchy skin

More on this topic

Patient education: Tuberculosis (The Basics)
Patient education: Tuberculosis vaccine (BCG) (The Basics)
Patient education: Tuberculosis screening tests (The Basics)
Patient education: Lowering the risk of spreading infection (The Basics)

Patient education: Tuberculosis (Beyond the Basics)