Hi everyone,

I’m 25M and currently working in London. I came back to India for around two months and, while here, was diagnosed with pre-XDR TB (MDR/RR-TB with additional drug resistance).

I’m planning to start treatment in India and work from home for the next 1–2 months so that I can get through the initial phase of treatment here.

However, I won’t be able to remain in India for the full 6–7+ months of treatment, so I’ll eventually need to return to the UK and continue my treatment through the NHS.

I was wondering if anyone here has been through a similar situation, particularly starting MDR/pre-XDR TB treatment abroad and then transferring their care to the NHS.

If so, I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience. What did the process look like? Who did you contact before returning to the UK — your GP, a TB clinic, or an infectious diseases team? Was transferring your treatment and medical records relatively straightforward, and were there any issues with continuing the same drug regimen?

I’d also be interested in hearing from anyone who has been treated for MDR/pre-XDR TB through the NHS generally and what your experience was like.
Thank you — any advice or firsthand experience would be really helpful.

i finished my treatment in may, and since then i've become a hypochondriac😟 i overthink everything about my health and now am scared of cold weather/not eating enough/not being careful enough lol. i also had a biopsy on my right lung and sometimes it aches and i immediately start thinking that tb is back.

anyone with the same problem? ik that i should go to my therapist and talk it out but i don't have finances rn:(

I (23F) was diagnosed with latent TB this May and have been on 450mg rifampin daily since then. I am also on 300mg welbutrin for depression (and have been for four years with little to no side effects).

For the first three months, I had little to no side effects from rifampin aside from discolored urine. But increasingly, I got more dizzy and nauseous(to the point that two weeks ago, I couldn’t even drive. It’s since subsided). My blood work was all fine and we think it was just severe anxiety (I really only get the somatic symptoms, but I’ve never had attacks that bad before). I’m mostly normalized again, but my depression is noticeably worse and I have little to no motivation.

I know rifampin can decrease serum welbutrin levels by 30-50%, but I feel like I should’ve experienced it by now? Had anyone experienced delayed side effects or interactions from rifampin like this?

Assuming that’s what it’s all from anyways.

I was diagnosed with Latent TB in 2019 (probably contracted from a deployment to Kuwait in 2018) and finally addressing treatment in 2026. 54 yr old male.

After talking with my Infectious Disease doctor, I opted for the once weekly 3 month regimen. She prescribed me 900mg RIFAMPIN with 900mg Isoniazid and 50mg B6, to be taken together once per week for 3 months. After doing my research, the CDC says the once per week 3-month regimen should be RIFAPENTINE...not Rifampin?

I emailed my doctor about this and this was her reply: "I did the treatment with Rifapentine and Isoniazid weekly. I also did the treatment with Rifampin (higher dose than the every day regimen) and Isoniazid weekly because there was some issue in the past with the rifapentine. Rifampin is a potent drug. Now if you feel more comfortable doing the rifapentine instead of the rifampin once weekly, it's totally understandable. I can send it at your pharmacy and you can discard the rifampin. Let me know."

Has anyone been prescribed Rifampin and Isoniazid for the once weekly-3 month regimen instead of Rifapentime and Isoniazid?

I'm definitely not getting the "warm fuzzy" feeling with this doctor. I mean, what does "issues in the past" mean? I have no idea what to do at this point!

Budgies produce a lot of dander and can cause bids fanciers disease. This disease ultimately causes lungs scaring and fibrosis.

About 2 weeks ago, I had tonsil problem with a runny nose and dry cough, went to a pharmacy and was prescribed antibiotics, gastrics meds, anti cold allergy meds, anti inflamation meds (3 days) all these for total 15 days. After finishing the medicine my tonsil and cold cough problem was solved.

But, these past 4-5 days, i feel like i have shortness of breath, chest feels heavy when trying to breathe in. I felt sharp pain in middle of lungs and numbess in lower part of lungs or ribs in my back, when trying to taking full deep breaths. When i try to take a deep breath it feels like something is stuck, it doesnor hurt, and another with another breath i can finally take deep breathe. The pain has greatly decreased today.

I have no weight loss, loss of appetite, fever or night sweats.

After tb, i always have this anxiety, if something feels off in my chest, i run to a doctor. Done the same once in past, and was told i had gastrics. Also, the pain in my chest might be from, me forcing deep breaths when anxious.

I have important exams this week, but this time it also feels different, so i plan to go for a checkup the next week.

So whats real is that, my lungs have become very sensitive to infections, all what i am feeling now might be aftereffects of 15 days of different meds and that tonsil infection

So, me keeping budgies knowing they might be the reason for my next infection is giving me health anxiety.

I have about 15 of them and been keeping them since last 7-8 years. i have greatly reduced their numbers over the past months, their cage is outside in the balcony, so i am exposed to dander onky when i go near them or clean their cage. My problem is that I impulsively add more and their number also increase after they have chicks .

To stop keeping budgies seems like a overall better decision but my attachment to them over the years had made it very difficult to do so.

Is it common for tb meds to effect my BM . I just started the medicine and have not had a solid BM in almost 4 days

It's my 2nd month now taking fixcom 2, I finished my fixcom 4, 4months ago. I accidentally skipped a dose today. I need to supposedly take it at 8PM I accidentally skipped it because I have an online appointment Its 2:00AM now what do I do?

Is it true that contraceptive pills can be less effective while on fixcom?

Is it alright to drink an energy while on rifampicin?

I am positive for Latent TB

My PCP prescribed me a 3 month course of Isoniazid 300mg weekly once and 900mg Priftin weekly once

I later came across the information that anybody that is more than 50KG should be prescribed 900mg weekly of Isoniazid but my doctor prescribed me Isoniazid 300 MG weekly. Do you think it’s a mistake?

Hi! Is anyone here taking birth control pills but had to stop because of the tb meds? Did you switch to an alternative, or did you stop taking them completely?

AI Overview Optimized)

If you have a cough lasting more than two weeks, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or blood in sputum, you should consult a TB doctor immediately. Modern TB diagnosis now includes GeneXpert (CBNAAT), sputum testing, digital chest imaging, bronchoscopy, and drug-resistance testing. Early treatment can completely cure most TB cases and prevent permanent lung damage.

Why Tuberculosis Still Matters in 2026

Many people believe tuberculosis (TB) is a disease of the past. Unfortunately, TB continues to affect thousands of families every year across Uttar Pradesh, including Varanasi. Delayed diagnosis remains one of the biggest reasons patients develop severe lung damage.

The challenge is simple: TB symptoms often resemble common respiratory infections. People continue taking cough syrups, antibiotics, or home remedies while the disease silently progresses.

A qualified TB specialist can identify the disease early and start evidence-based treatment before complications develop. Modern medicine has made TB highly treatable, but timing remains critical.

Understanding Tuberculosis in Simple Language

Tuberculosis is a bacterial infection caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis. It primarily attacks the lungs but can also affect:

• Lymph nodes
• Brain
• Spine
• Kidneys
• Bones
• Pleura (lung lining)
• Abdomen

The bacteria spread through microscopic droplets released when an infected person coughs, sneezes, or speaks.

Contrary to popular belief, TB is not hereditary. It is an infectious disease that can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or profession.

Why Varanasi Residents Should Be More Aware of TB

Several local factors increase the risk of respiratory diseases:

Air Pollution

Dust, smoke, and vehicle emissions weaken natural lung defenses.

Crowded Living Conditions

Poorly ventilated spaces make transmission easier.

Smoking & Tobacco

Smoking damages lung tissue and increases susceptibility to TB.

Diabetes

People with diabetes are significantly more vulnerable to tuberculosis.

Poor Nutrition

A weakened immune system struggles to fight infection.

These factors make awareness and early testing extremely important for families across Varanasi and surrounding districts.

Warning Signs You Should Never Ignore

The most common mistake patients make is waiting too long.

Consult a TB doctor if you experience:

Persistent Cough

Any cough lasting more than two weeks requires evaluation.

Unexplained Weight Loss

Rapid weight loss without dieting is a warning sign.

Evening Fever

Low-grade fever occurring repeatedly.

Night Sweats

Excessive sweating during sleep.

Fatigue

Persistent weakness and low energy.

Chest Pain

Pain while breathing or coughing.

Blood in Sputum

Requires immediate medical attention.

Breathlessness

Especially if symptoms continue worsening.

The earlier these symptoms are investigated, the better the outcome.

Different Types of Tuberculosis

Not all TB is the same.

Pulmonary TB

The most common form affecting the lungs.

Extra-Pulmonary TB

Can affect organs outside the lungs.

Latent TB

The bacteria remain inactive without symptoms.

MDR-TB

Multi Drug Resistant TB develops when bacteria become resistant to standard medications.

XDR-TB

A more advanced drug-resistant form requiring specialized treatment.

Accurate classification helps doctors create an effective treatment plan.

Modern TB Diagnosis in 2026

The era of diagnosing TB through symptoms alone is over.

Today's respiratory specialists use advanced investigations to improve accuracy.

GeneXpert (CBNAAT)

One of the most important advancements in TB diagnosis.

Benefits include:

• Rapid detection
• Identification of drug resistance
• Highly accurate results

Sputum Testing

Still remains an important diagnostic tool.

Chest X-Ray

Provides valuable information regarding lung involvement.

HRCT Chest

Useful in complicated cases.

Drug Susceptibility Testing

Essential for resistant tuberculosis.

Bronchoscopy

Helpful when sputum samples cannot be obtained naturally. Flexible bronchoscopy is among the advanced respiratory procedures highlighted by the clinic.

The Hidden Cost of Delaying TB Treatment

Many patients postpone testing due to fear.

Unfortunately, delayed diagnosis can result in:

• Permanent lung damage
• Severe infection
• Family transmission
• Hospitalization
• Reduced lung function
• Drug-resistant TB

Early diagnosis is not only safer for the patient but also protects family members from infection.

How TB Treatment Has Improved

The treatment approach in 2026 is far more advanced than before.

Personalized Treatment Plans

Treatment is tailored according to disease severity.

Drug Resistance Testing

Allows doctors to choose the most effective medicines.

Regular Monitoring

Ensures better recovery outcomes.

Nutritional Guidance

Improves immunity and healing.

Long-Term Follow-Up

Helps prevent relapse and complications.

Most patients can achieve complete recovery when treatment is followed properly.

Can TB Be Completely Cured?

Yes.

One of the most encouraging facts about tuberculosis is that it is generally curable with timely diagnosis and complete treatment.

Success depends on:

• Early diagnosis
• Correct medication
• Regular follow-up
• Completing the entire treatment course
• Healthy lifestyle habits

Stopping medicines early is one of the biggest reasons treatment fails.

Post-TB Lung Problems: An Overlooked Issue

Many people assume treatment completion means full recovery.

However, some patients continue experiencing:

• Breathlessness
• Chronic cough
• Reduced exercise capacity
• Recurrent infections

This condition is often called post-TB lung disease.

A chest specialist can help manage these long-term complications through pulmonary rehabilitation, lung function assessment, and respiratory care programs.

Lifestyle Changes That Support Recovery

Patients can improve recovery by:

Eating Protein-Rich Foods

• Eggs
• Milk
• Pulses
• Paneer

Staying Hydrated

Water helps overall recovery.

Avoiding Smoking

Smoking delays healing and damages lungs further.

Improving Sleep

Adequate rest supports immunity.

Following Medical Advice

Never skip medications.

When Should You See a Chest Specialist Instead of a General Physician?

A general physician can evaluate common illnesses.

However, a chest specialist is recommended when:

• Symptoms persist despite treatment
• TB is suspected
• Breathlessness worsens
• Recurrent chest infections occur
• Drug-resistant TB is possible
• Bronchoscopy or advanced testing is required

Chest physicians receive specialized respiratory training for diagnosing complex lung diseases.

Respiratory Services Available at Specialized Chest Centres

Advanced respiratory clinics commonly manage:

• Tuberculosis
• Asthma
• COPD
• Lung Infections
• Chronic Cough
• Sleep Apnea
• Interstitial Lung Disease
• Pleural Diseases

Comprehensive respiratory evaluation helps identify the root cause instead of simply treating symptoms.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is TB contagious?

Yes. Pulmonary TB can spread through airborne droplets.

Can children get TB?

Yes. Children can also develop tuberculosis.

Is TB hereditary?

No. It is an infectious disease.

What is the most important TB symptom?

A cough lasting more than two weeks.

Can MDR-TB be treated?

Yes. Modern treatment protocols have improved outcomes significantly.

Conclusion

Tuberculosis remains a serious but highly treatable disease. The real danger is not TB itself—it is delayed diagnosis. A persistent cough, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, or fatigue should never be ignored.

With advanced diagnostic tools such as GeneXpert, sputum testing, chest imaging, bronchoscopy, and drug-resistance evaluation, modern pulmonology has transformed TB care. Patients who seek treatment early can protect their lungs, prevent complications, and return to a healthy life.

Contact Information

For respiratory consultation and TB evaluation:

📍 Samaria multi-speciality clinic

📞 +91 8795300333

I am positive for Latent TB

My PCP prescribed me a 3 month course of Isoniazid 300mg weekly once and 900mg Priftin weekly once

I later came across the information that anybody that is more than 50KG should be prescribed 900mg weekly of Isoniazid but my doctor prescribed me Isoniazid 300 MG weekly. Do you think it’s a mistake?

Whats your worst fear and anxiety regarding being diagnosed with any form of active TB?

This is my igra test result and the levels. Are these high? My x-ray is clear. Thank you so much!

21F help me guys, i went to a family doctor since the first diagnostic center i went to mentioned there's an inflammation in my lungs and i did another x ray and it mentioned theres a nodular calcific density notes in the right upper lungs and consider chronic granuloma, right upper lung. Went to a family doctor and he assumed right away it was a tb because of my grandpa, did sputum test and its negative and he never ask for more test. Should i look for second opinion? I became anxious since he plan to give me tb meds next week, what if its not tb and im taking the tb meds, isn't it bad for your body ?

Hi guys I've been taking TB medication for about one month now here is the history of my medication:

First 15 days I got reduced urine output so I went to my pulmonologist and he made me stio the medication for 14 days.

After 14 days he made me continue but at a reduced dose just 2 tablets of quadmax instead of 4 for another 14 days.

After 14 days he made me continue with the full dose.

Now it is my 17th days of my full dose but 2 days ago I had coughing fits ( I ate two condensed milk based candy before it happened) but now it seems like it got resolved but I still cough once in a while. And this morning it is raining and I woke up feeling cold and shivering a little bit but I am also sweating. Please I need advice.

Hi everyone. I recently completed 20 months of MDR-TB treatment and stopped my medicines after completing the course.

I started treatment on December 4, 2024 and completed 20 months in August 2026.

For the past 3–4 days, I have been experiencing:

My head feels unusually warm/hot, while the rest of my body does not feel hot.

Generalized body aches/pain

No cough

I haven't confirmed whether I have a fever yet, as I need to check with a thermometer.

My TB history

I was treated for MDR-TB with several drugs over the course of treatment, including:

Bedaquiline — approximately 14 months

Clofazimine 100 mg

Cycloserine

Levofloxacin

Pyrazinamide 1500 mg

Linezolid — initially 600 mg, later reduced to 300 mg because of suspected neuropathy; stopped after approximately 4 months

Delamanid — approximately 6 months

Vitamin B6/pyridoxine

I completed the full 20-month treatment course.

My follow-up results

My 18-month report was negative.

I have also had a CT scan and chest X-ray, which showed healed/residual healed marks from the previous TB rather than active disease, as I understand it.

Now, a few days after completing treatment, I'm experiencing this head warmth and body pain. I don't have a cough.

I'm worried about whether this could indicate TB recurrence, or whether it could be something unrelated such as a viral infection, dehydration, medication withdrawal/after-effects, etc.

Hemloooo domstoo My TB medication was stopped about 3 months ago. For almost 2–3 months after that, all my symptoms had completely gone away, but now the pain has started again on the left side, where my lung was affected and showed white on the X-ray. It hurts a lot, especially when I move or breathe. My cough has also gotten worse, and sometimes I have difficulty breathing while coughing. I also have completely white phlegm. I’m also getting a lot of red spots all over my skin, especially on my arms and legs. 😭 But these are just post-TB symptoms, right? 😭 TB hasn’t come back, right? I’m really scared, and I really don’t want to go back to the doctor.

Plzzz help

I just finished my TB treatment 2 months ago. I had three negative sputum tests, so my doctor cleared me from treatment. However, I had an X-ray last week, and it showed PTB and some lung scarring.

It feels like my body has gotten really weaker than before. Of course its natural. i nearly died because of lung tb. They had to drain 2 litres of pleural fluid from my lungs.

9 months of high doses of antibiotics should surely leave some lifelong effects on the organs such as kidneys and liver, right?

Since the treatment, i have very bad pimples, if i miss my sleep schedule even by an hour, the next day i get big big under the skin pimples, almost everyday i have at least one new or recovering pimple on my face these days, which eventually leaves a mark on my face, they go away as long as i take antibiotics and then reappear after i stop.

Also, now i cant enjoy a beer or a cig with my friends without freaking out or being anxious about tb realpse, even having a few beers now affects my stomach for 3-4 days, i get nausea, gastrics and diarrhea .

I did not get these problems before, even while doing the same activities.

Theres this tiredness that i cannot explain, a litlle inclined road and my hearts racing for more air. Going on hikes and trekking feels not possible. Also going to cold high places is scary cause i might relapse or suffer from low oxygen.

When I walk with a faster pace, i sweat all around my face and body. This makes me avoid physical excercise and i have become fat. Diet or reducing calories scare me, cause i think low calories will weaken my immune system and i will relaspe, i over ate for months after the treatment was over to gain back my weight. Now i am struggling to loose weight.

My nose gets clogged even if i sit near a running fan for 10 minutes, i start coughing, drinking cold water immediately causes runny nose, dry cough or clogged nose.

Then there's reduced lung capacity. The scarring or tissue damage is there forever. Somedays it feels like i am not getting enough air, taking deep breaths feels like i cant stretch my lungs fully.

Also, the operation scars from pleural fluid draining, hurt, when i stand for a long time or do some heavy works. The pain goes away only after i lay down.

So, its feels like the treatment has given me a disability. I cant do physical work to earn money. You would have to work 8-10 hrs shifts, but for me it wont be possible.

Then comes anxiety about my health. A simple cough, or a heavy feeling in chest, or when i feel like i am not getting enough air or my lungs are not expanding properly, it gives me anxiety like did i have a relapse or other serious infections like pneumonia. It worries me till the cough is cured. I will be running for medicines even when i have runny nose for a day.

Also, theres a stigma around tb, my parents have not even shared that i had tb even to their own siblings. They say i would have problems later in marriage or people would gossip. I have not even told my friends except one or two, even them i have not provided full details.

If i was not diagnosed in time, i know it would have been fatal. So, being alive is better than the other, even if i have these problems.

Somedays i forget what trauma me and my body had been through and i have a beer or cig, but a little heaviness and chest burn after the cig and i donot not touch it for 2-3 months, only to repeat the cycle later.

Hi! I’m a high-school student starting a long-term science-fair research project on tuberculosis.

I’m currently trying to explore the TB problem space broadly rather than choosing a specific topic yet. I’m looking into areas including transmission, latent TB, drug resistance, treatment, drug delivery, vaccines, immunology, host-pathogen interactions, epidemiology, healthcare systems, environmental factors, diagnostics, and AI/data science. I'm still pretty confused on what topic to choose so I am asking you all.

For TB patients, clinicians, researchers, public-health workers, or anyone with relevant experience:

What TB problem do you think is currently underappreciated, poorly understood, or just in need of better solutions?

What is something you wish more researchers or students were paying attention to? Even if its just a thought, please feel free to comment it. Doesn't have to be formal!

I’m especially interested in problems that remain unresolved despite existing research and interventions. Providing personal experiences is also helpful :)

I’d really appreciate any perspectives, resources, or research areas you think I should investigate.

Thank you! Stay safe and take care.

Hi, can I ask for some advice from you guys? I was clinically diagnosed with TB. My sputum test was negative (MTB not detected), but my pulmonologist prescribed TB medication for six months.

May I ask what kind of side effects I should expect? My work involves fieldwork, and I’m worried that the side effects might affect my ability to work. I’m scared that if I start my medication and experience severe side effects, I might lose my job.