Standardized care in post-tuberculosis lung disease

Abstract

This literature review critically examines the persistent and underrecognized burden of post-tuberculosis lung disease (PTLD), a condition affecting a substantial proportion of tuberculosis (TB) survivors worldwide. Despite notable advancements in TB diagnosis and treatment, long-term respiratory complications remain inadequately addressed, particularly in low- and middle-income countries. Through a systematic selection of 25 peer-reviewed articles, the review identifies significant gaps in standardized diagnostic criteria, clinical standards, and the implementation of pulmonary rehabilitation (PR) programs. The findings underscore that approximately half of TB survivors are at risk of developing chronic respiratory impairments such as bronchiectasis, obstructive lung disease, and pulmonary hypertension, which severely impact quality of life and economic productivity. While PR demonstrates promising outcomes in symptom management and functional improvement, its accessibility remains limited due to resource constraints and insufficient healthcare infrastructure. The study concludes that integrating evidence-based clinical standards and expanding access to PR are essential steps toward improving long-term health outcomes for PTLD patients and addressing this growing global health challenge.