Hi, Im a 46 year old female and I was treated for TB in 2001. Ive been having this cough for two weeks now and Im 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 Ive completed the treatment the first time I was diagnosed.
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. Yes, relapse of TB is possible even if you had completed anti-tubercular Chat Doctor. 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 about relapse. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.