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've been dealing with a really bad cough and a lot of phlegm for the past couple of days, and my throat feels really scratchy. Could you suggest what might be going on or if there's anything I can do to feel better?

That could be Pharyngitis or Bronchitis which is causing phlegm,do salt water gargling twice daily and consume warm food.

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Can your SpO2 levels drop even if you don't have a fever? Like, is it possible for the levels to go down without experiencing a fever first? I'm curious about this because I don't have an oximeter to check.

no it won't decrease

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do chest xray

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