What does a pediatric phthisiatrician do, what diseases does he work on, when should he be visited

Children's phthisis doctor - what does he treat, when should he be consulted

A pediatric phthisiologist is a narrow specialist who diagnoses, treats and gives recommendations on the prevention of tuberculosis. This specialist is usually consulted after the Mantoux test is carried out, when the child has a positive test. But the parents themselves can (and even should) regularly take the child to the doctor - it can be a paid consultation with a phthisiatrician or a visit to a specialist in a polyclinic free of charge. In any case, such vigilance of parents will help to detect the onset of tuberculosis in a timely manner, because this disease is one of the first in prevalence.

What kind of doctor a phthisiologist is and what he treats has been found out - now it's time to find out what might be the reason for a visit to him.

Reasons for consulting a phthisiologist

Parents should visit a phthisiologist if their child has:

• an increase in body temperature to subfebrile for no apparent reason and for a long time;
• general weakness and increased fatigue, although the load on the child's body was not increased;
• decrease in appetite, up to complete refusal of food, and weight loss;
• increased sweating.

Make an appointment with a phthisiologist by phone if you have a cough with blood-streaked sputum - this is one of the pronounced signs of tuberculosis, although it can also mean the development of other diseases.

The child must be taken to a specialist in case of contact with a tuberculosis patient. In addition, there are several other points that are mandatory reasons for visiting a phthisiologist:

• the Mantoux test at school showed the first positive reaction (before that there was no such reaction for several years);
• compared to the previous result, the papule increased by 6 mm or more;
• for 3-5 years (the Mantoux test is done annually) the seal is either maintained or has increased by 10 mm or more;
• 3-4 years after BCG vaccination (it is done in the maternity hospital after the birth of the baby), the size of the seal exceeds 12 mm;
• a hyperergic reaction is noted.

A referral to a phthisis doctor is made either by the district pediatrician (if the child is home-schooled/schooled), or by a nurse from the kindergarten/school.

You can find out more about the cases in which consultation of a phthisiologist is necessary and what the phthisiologist's work schedule is at the children's polyclinic in the desired area on our website Dobrobut.com.

The expediency of refusing a phthisiologist

It has become fashionable to refuse vaccination of children, including anti-tuberculosis vaccinations, tests. Many parents argue that, according to the law, they have the right to refuse any tests and vaccinations - and they are right. But rights only within the limits of the law! And if we consider the situation from a medical point of view? Refusing to see a phthisiologist is the first step to becoming infected with the causative agent of tuberculosis, because this disease is transmitted by airborne droplets, and no one will keep the child in a sterile cap. A child's body is very sensitive to various diseases, and even being close to a tuberculosis patient can lead to deplorable consequences. But can parents give a guarantee that passers-by, people sitting on the bus, and neighbors do not get tuberculosis?

One more point - a certificate from a phthisiologist is necessary in any case to visit a kindergarten or school, so a visit to this narrow specialist is mandatory. But a doctor cannot issue a health certificate without conducting examinations - in this case it will be a Mantoux test.

Parents can refuse vaccination, but given the increasing prevalence of tuberculosis, this decision will be wrong. It is much easier to do a Mantoux test (especially since it is not a vaccination!) and get a phthisiatrician's opinion that the child is healthy - and the parents themselves will be calm, and there will be no doubters in the children's team.

A visit to a children's phthisiologist is not a sentence. However, if necessary, this specialist will be able to prescribe tuberculosis prophylaxis, making the risk of developing this disease minimal even after contact with a tuberculosis patient.

Related services:
Pediatrician consultation