The primary difference between treatment for adults and children is the use of ethambutol. One of the side effects of ethambutol is impaired vision. Because this effect is difficult to monitor in young children, ethambutol is not routinely recommended for children under eight years old. The best method to prevent cases of pediatric tuberculosis is to find, diagnose, and treat cases of active tuberculosis among adults. Children do not usually contract tuberculosis from other children or transmit it themselves.
Adults are usually the ones who pass tuberculosis on to children.
Improved contact investigations and use of directly observed therapy should improve the success rate of finding and treating adult cases of tuberculosis and therefore reduce the number of cases of pediatric tuberculosis. Some groups of children are at greater risk for tuberculosis than others. The mission of the American Lung Association is to prevent lung disease and promote lung health. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy and Terms of Use.