Hi, I'm a 46 year old female and I was treated for TB in 2001. I've been having this cough for two weeks now and I'm wondering if this could be a TB relapse. My last consultation with my pulmonologist was two years ago when I experienced brown colored phlegm which I felt was coming from my sinus rather than my lungs. She cleared me and said my lungs were okay. I want to know what the symptoms for TB relapse are and whether if it is at all possible considering that I've completed the treatment the first time I was diagnosed.
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, relapse of TB is possible even if you had completed anti tubercular drugs in the past. Symptoms of TB relapse are cough, expectoration, hemoptysis (blood in sputum), fever, weight loss, decreased appetite etc. Since you are having cough for more than 2 weeks, you should definitely get done chest x ray and sputum for AFB (acid fast bacilli - bacteria causing tuberculosis). If both these are normal then no need to worry for relapse. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Are Symptoms Of TB Relapse?
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. Yes, relapse of TB is possible even if you had completed anti tubercular drugs in the past. Symptoms of TB relapse are cough, expectoration, hemoptysis (blood in sputum), fever, weight loss, decreased appetite etc. Since you are having cough for more than 2 weeks, you should definitely get done chest x ray and sputum for AFB (acid fast bacilli - bacteria causing tuberculosis). If both these are normal then no need to worry for relapse. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.