Malnutrition in TB Patients

Malnutrition refers to deficiencies, excesses or imbalances in a person’s intake of energy and/or nutrients. The term malnutrition covers 2 broad groups of conditions.

• One is ‘undernutrition’—which includes stunting(low height for age), wasting(low weight for height), underweight(low weight for age) and micronutrient deficiencies or insufficiencies(a lack of important vitamins and minerals).
• The other is overweight, obesity and diet-related non communicable diseases (such as heart disease, stroke, diabetes, and cancer).

Screen TB Malnutrition patients for nutritional needs

Figure: Screening Steps for TB - Malnutrition patients

Treatment for TB Malnutrition Patients

Cases of TB with SAM and moderate undernutrition should be referred to the nearest health facility of NTEP for further management. Special focus should be given to the following categories:

• Children below five years
• School-age children and adolescents(Up to age 18 years)
• Adults, including pregnant and lactating women, with active TB and SAM