Rehabilitation for individuals with post-tuberculosis lung disease

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Authors: Ohanna Kirakosyan, Haike Verbree, Marieke M. van der Zalm, Rebecca Nightingale, Marcela Muñoz-Torrico, Denise Rossato Silva, Sally J. Singh, Rosella Centis, Raquel Duarte, Onno W. Akkerman, Giovanni Battista Migliori
Cited by: 2
References: 45

Abstract

Tuberculosis (TB) continues to be a global clinical and public health threat, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. TB care has primarily been centred around timely diagnosis and expanding access to treatment. Post-TB lung disease (PTLD), characterised by persistent respiratory symptoms, functional impairment and structural lung changes, is highly prevalent among TB survivors, with a prevalence ranging from 40% to 90%. This requires an effort to evaluate TB survivors in need of further care at the end of anti-TB treatment, for consideration of pulmonary rehabilitation. This review provides an overview of the current evidence and best practices in pulmonary rehabilitation for PTLD. This article aims to bridge the gap between evidence and practice, supporting tailored, multidisciplinary approaches to pulmonary rehabilitation, building on the existing experiences and challenges from diverse settings. Furthermore, this review supports the ongoing educational efforts of healthcare professionals to reframe TB care, placing long-term health and patient wellbeing at the centre of post-TB management.

Fields of Study & Subjects

Tuberculosis Research and Epidemiology Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) Research Infectious Diseases and Tuberculosis

Publication details

Journal / source
Breathe
Publisher
European Respiratory Society (ERS)
Volume
22
Issue
1
Pages
250056–250056
Publication date
1 January 2026
Language
EN