Constant Phlegm and rarely slight blood in sputum post tb treatment

[dino10]

Hi everyone. I am worried by the fact that even after 5 months of the end of tb treatment, I get phlegm constantly although without cough and loss of appetite. Rarely I see slight red dot or line in the sputum.

3 days ago I got common cold and although I have no increase in sputum production, my throat and chest are certainly itchy and I noticed a blood again (again just a line in one of the sputum) . I had an x-ray 3 months ago to confirm tb elimination and It came out fine. But I get very stressed thinking what if the itchyness is because TB reactivated ? Anyone with similar experience ?

[Jack70]

Get back to doctor with sputum sample and demand they do a culture test for any bacteria just in case. Don’t let them fob u off because they will if you let themI know this from experience from having atypical TB witch I’m being treated for now that requires 2 years of rifampin, ethambutol isoniazid. So don’t take any chances

[HelenC Partner TB Alert]

Hi dino10 - how are you feeling now and have you had any more support from your doctor? Damage from TB can take a long time to heal even after you have completed your medication and cleared the TB bacteria, but it would be good to have that reassurance.

[dino10 in reply to HelenC]

Hi Helen. I feel normal. I don't have other tb symptoms but the blood still comes whenever there is mucus buildup on the left lung. Idk what's happening . Xrays come normal. My gp said it's because you had strong acid reflux for a long time. But i really want my sputum to be tested

[TheTBRT]

On two occasions I have started to cough up blood in my sputum again. I’m on month 8 of INH/rifampin. It’s not a lot of blood but definitely enough to make me worried. Do you have a cavitation in your lung? I have a cavitation and my pulmonologist believes that’s where it is coming from

[dino10 in reply to TheTBRT]

Yes I have cavitation. I still get blood after 1 year of treatment. Visiting gp tomorrow, xrays again came normal. I wish i knew how to cure this

[HelenC Partner TB Alert in reply to dino10]

Have you sought a second opinion? It would be reassuring if two doctors agreed - and it may be that one could spot what another might miss. Good luck.