How is tuberculosis treated?
Sep 18, 2025
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Ren Yi
Introduction
In general, treatment methods for tuberculosis mainly include general management, anti-tuberculosis drug therapy, symptomatic treatment, traditional Chinese medicine therapy, and surgical treatment. Additionally, during the treatment period, patients should strictly follow medical advice regarding medication, undergo regular follow-up examinations including pulmonary imaging and liver and kidney function tests, and take proper isolation and protective measures to prevent spreading the bacteria to others.
Generally, treatment methods for pulmonary tuberculosis mainly include general management, anti-tuberculosis drug therapy, symptomatic treatment, traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) treatment, and surgical treatment. The details are as follows:
1. General Management
Patients should ensure adequate rest, avoid excessive fatigue, and reduce physical exertion to provide a foundation for the body to fight the infection. Daily routines should include maintaining good indoor ventilation to minimize bacterial growth. Dietary adjustments are recommended, with increased intake of protein- and vitamin-rich foods such as eggs, milk, fresh vegetables, and fruits, to enhance immunity and support recovery.
2. Anti-Tuberculosis Drug Therapy
This is the cornerstone of pulmonary tuberculosis treatment and must follow standardized medication principles. Commonly used drugs include isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, pyrazinamide tablets, and ethambutol hydrochloride tablets. These medications work by inhibiting or killing Mycobacterium tuberculosis, controlling the spread of infection, gradually eliminating the bacteria from the body, and helping achieve full recovery.
3. Symptomatic Treatment
Different symptoms caused by pulmonary tuberculosis require targeted management. For fever, patients may take acetaminophen tablets or ibuprofen suspension as directed by a physician. For severe cough and sputum production, ambroxol hydrochloride oral solution or dextromethorphan hydrobromide tablets can be used to relieve symptoms. In cases of hemoptysis, antifibrinolytic agents such as tranexamic acid tablets or etamsylate injection may be prescribed under medical supervision to control bleeding and reduce discomfort.
4. Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) Treatment
According to TCM, pulmonary tuberculosis is often associated with deficiency of lung yin or dual deficiency of qi and yin. Treatment focuses on nourishing yin and moistening the lungs, and reinforcing qi and yin. Under medical guidance, herbal remedies such as Baihe Gujin Pills or Shengmai Drink Oral Liquid may be used. Acupuncture may also serve as adjunctive therapy, targeting acupoints like Feishu (BL13) and Taiyuan (LU9) to regulate organ function and alleviate symptoms such as cough and night sweats, thereby improving overall condition.
5. Surgical Treatment
Surgery may be considered when drug therapy fails, large pulmonary cavities fail to heal, or massive hemoptysis does not respond to conservative treatment. The most common procedure is lobectomy, which involves removing the diseased lung tissue to control disease progression, prevent complications, and promote recovery.
In addition, during treatment, patients must strictly adhere to medical instructions regarding medication, undergo regular follow-up imaging and liver/kidney function tests, and take proper isolation precautions to prevent transmission to others. If adverse drug reactions occur or symptoms worsen during treatment, prompt medical consultation is necessary to adjust the treatment plan.
