Patient HKC (73 years old, Hanoi ) has a history of smoking for many years, averaging about a pack of cigarettes per day, and has also regularly consumed alcohol since a young age.
Over a year ago, the patient, who had been diagnosed with chronic lung disease and tuberculosis at a medical facility, was prescribed treatment but only took medication for a short time before discontinuing it, failing to adhere to the treatment plan and not attending follow-up appointments.
Approximately four days prior to hospitalization, the patient experienced significant fatigue, poor appetite, followed by progressively worsening shortness of breath accompanied by a persistent cough. According to Dr. Truong Tu The Bao, Head of the Emergency Department at the National Hospital for Tropical Diseases, upon admission, the patient's SpO₂ level was only about 85% when breathing room air. The patient exhibited rapid, labored breathing, pronounced respiratory muscle retraction, general weakness, and pale skin and mucous membranes. Initial tests revealed metabolic acidosis and elevated lactate levels, suggesting circulatory failure and suspected septic shock. The patient was promptly intubated and placed on mechanical ventilation.
Imaging results revealed severe bilateral lung damage, accompanied by right pleural effusion and left pneumothorax. Sputum tests detected acid-fast bacilli, suggesting active pulmonary tuberculosis on a background of prolonged lung damage. According to Dr. Truong Tu The Bao, this is a typical consequence of untreated pulmonary tuberculosis, combined with years of smoking and alcohol abuse, leading to widespread lung damage, severely impaired gas exchange capacity, and significant difficulty in recovery.
The patient is currently on mechanical ventilation and intensive care. Their condition is temporarily stable, but the prognosis remains very guarded due to severe bilateral lung damage, a weakened physical condition, and prolonged, uncontrolled tuberculosis. “Pulmonary tuberculosis is a completely curable disease if the patient adheres strictly to the treatment regimen. Stopping medication midway not only worsens the disease but also increases the risk of drug resistance, causing irreversible lung damage and directly threatening life,” emphasized Dr. Truong Tu The Bao.
Doctors warn that for smokers, especially the elderly or those with chronic lung diseases, continued smoking weakens the immune system, damages lung structure, reduces the effectiveness of treatment, and makes respiratory diseases such as tuberculosis progress faster, become more severe, and harder to control. Quitting smoking is not just a recommendation but a mandatory requirement in the treatment of lung diseases.
Based on this case, doctors advise people not to be complacent about pulmonary tuberculosis. This disease requires complete and timely treatment and close monitoring. When experiencing symptoms such as persistent cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, and weight loss, people should seek medical attention early and adhere to the prescribed treatment to avoid severe and irreversible consequences.
Source: https://baophapluat.vn/gia-dat-cua-su-chu-quan.html
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