What is the duration of treatment for cervical lymph node TB?

Q: I am a 27 years old female with swelling in my neck. I consulted a doctor, who told me that I have tuberculosis spots in my neck. The doctor has suggested AKT-4 and I am taking it for the last 45 days. I have a problem in bones and body ache. Am I on right treatment? Please suggest.

A:The minimum duration of treatment in a case of cervical lymph node tuberculosis is 6 months. Nonspecific problems such as body ache are not uncommon in patients on AKT (pyrazinamide, Ethambutol, isoniazid could cause arthralgia, and rifampicin can cause flu like illness) and it would be advisable if you could be clinically examined and reassessed for the response to treatment. I suggest to seek the advise of a physician, experienced in management of Tuberculosis, so that an appropriate examination and management (as required) could be done.