I've got pleural effusion in both lungs, but it's more serious on the right side. Ever since February 5th, I've had a bit of chest pain on the right side. They diagnosed me with TB on March 5th, and since then, I've been on ATT and later switched to the DOTS program on March 15th. They even drew out 250ml of fluid from my right lung on March 5th. My chest X-ray looked fine on March 1st, probably because there wasn't much fluid, but the one from April 1st shows my lower and middle lung lobes as kind of blurry or like they're collapsing. I've attached the X-ray. Is it normal for things to look worse after starting ATT? Should I be doing something specific or take extra precautions? Also, my breathing has gotten worse. I'm getting plenty of rest and eating a high-protein diet, but I'm really concerned. What should I do?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Chandra P

General Practitioner

MBBS
5+ Yrs

Consult Now

after att medication, it won't become normal immediately . It takes time for chest xray to be normal.

Dr. Chandra Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Find a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Answered 04/07/2025

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I'm really worried about my grandfather. He's 75, and with his COPD and asthma, his breathing has become pretty challenging. There are these sounds when he breathes, and he seems to breathe from his stomach. Even just a little movement seems to make his breathing worse. It's like he can't be without oxygen at all now. His oxygen level is at 75, and carbon dioxide is 50. Could you help me understand what stage he's in?

consult a pulmonologist

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm looking over the HRCT report and noticed that my SpO2 levels are fluctuating. They usually stay above 90, but I'm concerned about why there's any fluctuation at all. Can you help explain what might be causing this?

unfortunately i couldn't see any of your hrct report attached. SPO2 is fluctuating , keep the pulse oximeter for 2 minutes and then record it

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

I'm really worried about my mom. She's been on the AKT4 kit for her pulmonary TB, and ever since she started the medicine, she's been feeling completely exhausted, both morning and night. She's also experiencing dizziness and itchy skin at night, which is unusual for her. These symptoms only appeared after she began her treatment. Could these be side effects from the TB medication? Should we consider adjusting her dosage? She also has high blood pressure, but no diabetes. What do you think we should do?

give her high nutritious food

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

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Disclaimer: Answers on Apollo 247 are not intended to replace your doctor advice. Always seek help of a professional doctor in case of an medical emergency or ailment.