Date:

Experiment no:

A 70-year-old man who is a lifelong non-smoker presents to his

GP with recurrent chest infections. He has been experiencing

a cough productive of sputum which is occasionally bloodstained

for several months. He also complains of increasing

breathlessness. He has had no relief from several courses of

antibiotics. Chest examination is unremarkable. The following

day the local microbiology laboratory reports the presence of

acid-fast bacilli in the sputum.

Questions:

1. What is the likely diagnosis?

2. What are the next steps in the management of this patient?

Answers:

Department of Pharmacy Practice, Sri Venkateswara College of Pharmacy, RVS Nagar, Chittoor-517127 (AP), INDIA.