I've started treatment for tuberculosis after being diagnosed with a high lung infection and I've been on medication for 18 days now. Most of my symptoms like weight loss, fever, and night sweats have really improved, but I'm still testing a 4 on the TB sputum smear test. I'm worrieddoes this mean the medicine isn't working for me?

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Anshul Maheshwari

General Practitioner

MBBS
5+ Yrs

Consult Now

Continue ATT as advised by the pulmonologist.

Dr. Anshul Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Find a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

Answered 04/07/2025

More Pulmonology/ Respiratory Medicine Health Queries

View all

Question

I'm 23 and dealing with tuberculosis, and I'm on medication for it. But lately, I've developed pulmonary fibrosis, and I'm super concerned about what's next. Is there any way to treat or even cure pulmonary fibrosis? My doctor mentioned it's irreversible but suggested that maybe it's not so bad since I'm young. Is it true that being young might help with managing this? I've read that people with pulmonary fibrosis might only live up to 35 yearsthat's really worrying me. Is there hope or treatment options out there?

Question

My brother is really struggling with MDR TB and he's having a hard time breathing. We're using all the medicines prescribed, but it doesn't seem to be enough. Is there anything immediate we can do to help him feel better?