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How Long Does Recovery From TB Take?

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Posted on Fri, 16 Oct 2015
Question: I would like to know if an elderly person like my mom is diagnosed with TB now will she recover in six months or it will cut short the life
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Recovery likely

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thereotically speaking your mother should recover from TB infection with appropriate use of Anti TB drugs for 6 to 9 months. It should be taken religiously with follow up.

However there are certain complications that TB can cause like Tuberculoma in the brain, spread to bones, and other parts. The Anti TB drugs can impair the liver function and certain metabolism as well which would impair the efficiency of other drugs she is taking. Given the medical conundrum and multiple medical conditions suffering it will be difficult to say about the quality of life if it improves or deteriorates.

Do not lose faith, hope is final and as long she and you have it, everything is invincible.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (24 hours later)
Dear Doctor
please advice my mom eat when she goes to sleep at midnight she will start to vomit in the morning she will have diarrhea since she began to take TB medication Rifafour tablets. I'm afraid to give her smoothies made from carrots, apple and beetroot. I don't know which diet to provide?
doctor
Answered by Dr. V. N. S. Parinam (3 days later)
Brief Answer:
Start probiotics.. Watch out for worsening....

Detailed Answer:
Apologies for the late answer.
Rifampicin and isoniazid are two important agents containtained in rifafour. These are known to cause gastrointestinal side effects of nausea and diarrhea especially during early therapy. In many individuals the side effects settle down with time. I would start probiotic and some dietary changes - avoiding spices, good protein and fibre rich food. But if nausea and diarrhea is severe, you can ask the treating doctor to start proton pump inhibitors.

As the benefit of rifafour far outweighs the side effects, I wouldn't change your treatment yet. But if side effects become intolerable, your doctor can decide to change treatment.

Regards
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Answered by
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Dr. V. N. S. Parinam

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 1727 Questions

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How Long Does Recovery From TB Take?

Brief Answer: Recovery likely Detailed Answer: Hi, Thereotically speaking your mother should recover from TB infection with appropriate use of Anti TB drugs for 6 to 9 months. It should be taken religiously with follow up. However there are certain complications that TB can cause like Tuberculoma in the brain, spread to bones, and other parts. The Anti TB drugs can impair the liver function and certain metabolism as well which would impair the efficiency of other drugs she is taking. Given the medical conundrum and multiple medical conditions suffering it will be difficult to say about the quality of life if it improves or deteriorates. Do not lose faith, hope is final and as long she and you have it, everything is invincible.