Q: I am a 32 years old man. I underwent tuberculosis treatment last year. TB was not diagnosed but the doctor said that it might be the reason for my deteriorating health and I had symptoms like cough, tiredness and frequent fever. Now for the last few months I am not getting any fever but feel weak sometimes. I get cough once in 2 or 3 months sometimes. I am not using any medicine for the last 6 to 7 months and do not feel tired now. I have sinus problem and pollution make my problem worse. My immunity is 53, which should be between 0 and 180. How I should know if I am completely cured of TB?

A:The probability that your symptoms of fever, cough and tiredness were that due to TB is high.

• You have improved after taking the medicines and your general well being is better which indicates response to medication.
• The commonest cause for these symptoms in our country is TB
• If you have been compliant and taken proper doses of medication, the minimum duration of treatment is 6 months
• Since no definite site of infection was identified, we will have to go by the clinical response to determine end point of treatment
• It is normal for most individuals to suffer 2-3 episodes of cough and cold in a year but these should not be prolonged or associated with weight loss, blood in sputum etc
• Eat a healthy diet and exercise to improve your immunity.