Tuberculosis in older adults

ObjectivesIt is intended to reveal whether any differences of clinical and radiologic manifestations of tuberculosis exist between young and older adult people.Subjects and methods: The study was designed a retrospective study in local tuberculosis office and tertiary chest diseases center in Izmir province.ResultsWeight loss (P = 0.01) were found significantly more frequent symptom in older adults than young patients. Symptom duration until diagnosis (P = 0.0001) were also longer in the older adult patients. Frequency of accompanied diseases and adverse drug reactions were higher in older ages.ConclusionTuberculosis is difficult to diagnose and manage in older patients compared to young adults. The symptoms are often non-specific and may be attributed to changes related to age. This often leads to a delayed diagnosis and more advanced disease at presentation. The presence of other underlying diseases may also alter the clinical picture.