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Cough after TB
I have lymph node TB of the lungs. That got treated my CT scan is normal now. Treatment ended in 2024 sept. On ATT and Even after ATT I have this irritating dry cough sometimes off sometimes on. Does not seem allergic to me also I never had allergies in life before. It only happened after TB started. There is no other symptom than this. What is it? I tried taking 15 days foracort inhaler seems to improve but does not permanently get okay. PFT is normal. No lung damage.
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Video consult me immediately to prevent tb activation again which usually happens in many immunocompromised patients.
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Take a glass of milk daily.
Thanks.
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Can help you with the next course of action and treatment plan. Kindly consult via whatsapp at nine zero two nine six zero zero four seven zero.
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Hi 👋
I’ve reviewed your description, X-ray, and PFT results carefully — and you can relax.
Your reports are completely normal, and there is no sign of active or residual lung damage from tuberculosis. The CT and PFT both confirm this.
Why you still have cough
What you’re experiencing is called post-tubercular airway hypersensitivity (also known as post-TB airway syndrome).
Even when the infection is fully cured, the airways often remain irritable and hyper-responsive for months or even years after TB treatment — due to:
microscopic scarring around bronchi,
heightened sensitivity of airway nerves, and
mild inflammation left behind after healing.
This causes an on-off dry cough, especially triggered by dust, talking, cold air, or lying down.
It’s not infection, not allergy, and not asthma — but a chronic airway irritation that behaves as if it were mild asthma.
What helps
You already noticed that Foracort inhaler gives relief — that’s the clue.
The inhaled steroid and bronchodilator reduce inflammation and relax airways, but 15 days is too short.
For lasting control, most patients need:
Foracort 200 Inhaler – 2 puffs twice daily for 6–8 weeks, then taper to once daily or SOS,
Levosalbutamol or Montelukast at night if there’s night cough or seasonal worsening,
Steam inhalation twice daily,
Avoid dust, incense, perfumes, and cold air, and
Drink plenty of water to keep airway lining moist.
Once the airway calms down, cough usually disappears permanently.
When to re-evaluate
If you ever develop:
fever,
sputum with blood, or
unexplained weight loss —
then we’d repeat CT or sputum studies to rule out recurrence. Otherwise, routine follow-up is enough.
Summary
No active TB.
PFT is normal.
You have post-TB airway hypersensitivity, which is benign and fully controllable with the right inhaler plan and duration.
Short courses (like 15 days) give temporary relief; a structured tapering plan gives permanent control.
If you’d like, I can review your reports in detail, fix the exact inhaler dose + duration, and plan your step-down taper to avoid dependence.
You can message me privately on WhatsApp at nine three two six zero two zero five three six — I’ll guide you step-by-step and adjust your inhaler schedule so the cough goes away completely.
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Avoid fried and spicy food
Water intake more
Green leafy vegetables more
Fiber meal
Do connect and consult
Will help you
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Can help you, kindly consult and provide detailed history for proper diagnosis and further management
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How was lymph node TB diagnosed was it through EBUS TBNA ,Dry cough can be due to various causes , unlikely due to TB disease ,do you have gastritis,post nasal drip,any medication for hypertension,nasal allergy
Next Steps
Feel free to contact for personalized management
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Hello , Kindly consider having a Tele-Consultation with me on PRACTO App since adequate patient history is required for proper treatment and further follow up . Thank You
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Your chest xray shows only increased hilar markings, No consolidations or opacities.
Following TB, though treatment taken, some patients develop sequelae, in the form of persistent cough, lethargy.
Better to do a repeat AFB staining
Next Steps
Restart Foracort and Asthalin MDI, and to be tapered gradually
Health Tips
Proper Nutrition
Proper technique of taking MDIs
Close monitoring
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It may be due to TB sequale... Consequence and lung damage due to TB...
Next Steps
normal treatment and lifestyle changes may improves your symptoms
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Visit to chest physician for physical examination and consultation
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You have post infectious cough,a common condition with long term lung infection.This may last for a few months.You can continue with foracort as needed basis,take a combination of desloratadin and montelukast daily for a few weeks and Himalaya bresol syrup or tablet twice daily for a few weeks
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Hi.., these symptoms are common in post TB ,
Drink plenty of water
Take protein rich foods
Next Steps
For further queries, kindly consult me on Practo
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It is a common symptom, post ATT.
Whenever symptoms occur you may take cough syrup.
Next Steps
Consult a pulmonologist.
Get a CyTB test done for your family members at nearest UPHC, to initiate TB preventive treatment.
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Chronic cough, intermittently can occur after T.B., for some time.
Use a face mask when exposed to dust, fumes, etc.Do regular steam inhalation, hot saline gargles, regular pranayam .
Take healthy diet to improve immunity.
You can take tus q cough lozenges, 3 times daily for a week.
If cough is more, get complete blood count done and take treatment as per results.
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If you want to discuss your problem in more detail, feel free to to message me on WhatsApp at nine one one nine two five five six nine nine for a free detailed discussion
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Need few more details
Kindly connect.
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Start tab allergo m two times daily for 5 days
Cap immusnate
Tab pantop 40
Tab oflox oz twice daily for 3 days
Gargle by kule warm water
Blood test- ESR CBC LFT
Next Steps
Avoid oily food and cold things
Health Tips
If pain in intake of food then start tab zerodol sp and review after all blood test
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Dryness of the throat is a possible cause. Please maintain your hydration.
You should also try some home remedies for cough occasionally.
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Seasonal change as your immunity is low.
Ab phyllinsr200 two times a day after food for five days. Use foracort.
Nebulization with duoline n budecort respule two times for 5 days.
Advise cbc , esr. Crp
Tab azee500 one per day after food for five days. Zerodol sp three times a day after food for five days. Montek lc one at night for five days. Girilinctus syr 5ml twice n 10ml at night. Alex cough lozenges to put in mouth n suck.
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Dr. Yash Goyal
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Barnala
Hello i am dr yash goyal .follow up for consultation
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Dr. Ravi Kumar Nadella
General Physician
18 yrs exp
Hyderabad
Its gastric cough
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Dr. Samarth Anand
General Physician
1 yrs exp
Sri Ganganagar
Given that all the parameters as well as the CT are normal with ATT course completed, the TB is most likely cured. Now since you feel an improvement on using Foracort inhaler (which contains a steroid and bronchodilator) supports the idea of underlying airway inflammation or hyperresponsiveness. Considering all this the most likely culprit is post-infectious airway hyper responsiveness or a subtle irritation from the healed lymph node area affecting the airways.
Next Steps
Follow up with your treating pulmonologist for he may increase the dose of Forcort inhaler.
Health Tips
Use mask to cover nose and face.
Avoid exhaustion and do breathing exercises.
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Dr. Nazia Begum M.G
General Physician
15 yrs exp
Belgaum
Regular follow up with chest physician
Drink warm water start tab montec lc
Syrup tusq ls
Take good protein diet
Consult online will guide you further
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Dr. Anubha Singh
General Physician
4 yrs exp
Jhansi
If you require assistance or have any health concerns, feel free to reach out for a consultation. Your well-being is my priority, and i'm here to support you on your health journey.
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