How long can lymph nodes remain swollen in a tuberculosis patient?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been on tuberculosis (TB) medication for over two months. The sputum samples were negative, but the doctor said he saw cavities in the X-ray and swollen lymph nodes. But the second hospital I went to saw everything was normal but confirmed the swollen lymph nodes. I started taking the medication, and after three weeks, I started getting better, but I have been very sensitive to smoke, and whenever I smell smoke, my lungs get inflamed. Suddenly, I started getting the symptoms again despite taking my treatment, and I also had heart palpitations.

Thank you.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thank you for writing. I understand your concern.

You should continue tuberculosis (TB) medicine for four more months. You have completed two months but need to take four months more. Complete TB treatment is given for six months. Cavities will be there, and they will improve after six months, so do not worry and continue the treatment.

I suggest you take a high-protein diet such as milk, eggs, chicken, meat, and fish for weakness and other symptoms. A high-protein diet will make you feel better, and it will help to build your immune system so you will be able to fight tuberculosis (TB) easily. So kindly do these things.

If you need anything else, please let me know.

Thank you.