How long does it take for the cough to go away? Tuberculosis.

[Stratocycle]

I just started my 2nd month of TB medications and I still have cough. Is that okay? Anyone of you here took more than a month for the cough to go away?

It's less frequent now compared to having them whole day (a month ago). But I notice whenever I am tired, hungry, or sweating I get a sort of "coughing attack".

[lomogi]

Hi Stratocycle, I still had a persistent cough well into my 4th month. Towards the 5th month I would have some days where I hardly coughed at all and then a full day of coughing again and then slowly it just stopped altogether. Hope that helps, best wishes for a speedy recovery!

[Stratocycle in reply to lomogi]

Thanks for your reply. I just got worried because most of what I read in the internet says it goes away after just a couple of weeks or "few" weeks and nobody says a month.

Anyway, thanks again and let's try yo update each other on this thread since we seem to started medications at almost the same time.

Cheers and best regards!

[Stratocycle in reply to lomogi]

Hi lomogi, I misread your reply, I thought you said week not month. Anyway, that's good that you have days that you hardly cough at all, it's the same with my case.

[lomogi in reply to Stratocycle]

Hi Stratocycle, I would say my cough has gone now which is awesome but I think everyone is different and my nurse told me it can take up to 5 months for it to go.

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi Stratocycle,

The 2 weeks figure is not definitive but it is considered to be a point when people usually start to feel better. It's still usually an upward journey from there though, so take a deep breath and plough onwards - you will get there.

Best wishes,

Helen

[Stratocycle in reply to HelenC]

Thank you Helen. I'm so anxious to feel strong soon because we're moving to another country in less than 2 months. My sickness was of course not part of the plan! Although I'm no longer contagious, I want to have the strength to shoulder through the process.

I understand when I overthink these kinds of things, it won't be much helpful though. So I try just to live in the moment for now.

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to Stratocycle]

Hi Stratocycle,

I understand your concern, moving house alone is pretty stressful let alone moving country! Please try to get as much rest as possible and make sure to eat a well balanced diet - even though you no doubt have a lot to do - as this is so important to getting well again. Have you discussed your move with your current medical team so that you can ensure you have enough medication to keep up with your treatment in your new home? If not, please look into this as soon as possible.

Best wishes,

Helen

[Stratocycle in reply to HelenC]

Yes Helen, I already discussed that with my doctor. Thanks for your advices!

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to Stratocycle]

Good. At least that's one less thing to think about for you!