Treatment is typically continued for 6 months, but longer courses may be required for AIDS patients or those whose disease responds slowly. For atypical tuberculosis infections, or drug-resistant strains, other drugs and different durations of therapy may be indicated to treat the infection.

Hospitalization may be indicated to prevent the spread of the disease to others until the contagious period has resolved on drug therapy. Normal activity can be continued after the contagious period.

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See lung disease - support group.

Symptoms may improve in 2 to 3 weeks, with improvement seen in the chest X-ray lagging behind clinical improvement. Prognosis is excellent if pulmonary TB is diagnosed early and treatment is begun.

Pulmonary TB can cause permanent lung damage if not treated early.

All medications used to treat TB have some toxicity. Rifampin and isoniazid may both cause a non-infectious hepatitis. Rifampin may also cause an orange or brown coloration of tears and urine.

Those taking ethambutol should have their vision monitored, as this drug may rarely affect the eye. Any rash, abdominal pain, jaundice, or tingling in toes or fingers may be a sign of drug toxicity and should be reported to your doctor immediately.

Other complications include drug resistance to particular TB strains and a relapse of the disease in some patients.

Call your health care provider if symptoms persist despite treatment.

Also call if new symptoms develop, including indications that complications are developing.