Itching, Joint pain, Vision problems after Tuberculosis Treatment

Tuberculosis is a common disease in developing countries. Especially in those areas where sanitary conditions are not satisfactory and are overcrowded. The bacteria that are responsible for Tuberculosis lives inside the cells and is slow growing. It needs longer treatment duration. The duration of treatment is six months in developed countries and 9 months in developing countries including those where the incidence of resistance is high. This duration of treatment is for primary tuberculosis not for recurrent cases. For recurrent cases of tuberculosis or if Tuberculosis appears again after getting treatment then read the following article more details:

• Recurrent TB:- Got TB again after Treatment

Now the drugs are taken for such a long duration of time. So there are high chances of getting side effects. Some of the side effects are normal and don’t need attention but other needs immediate consult of doctor. These include:

1. If you develop sudden and severe vomiting, nausea, yellow discolouration of sclera and itching then contact the doctor. It may be an indication of liver damage. Your doctor will then counsel you about the continuation of anti-tuberculous medication.
   
2. If you develop dimness of vision, severe eye pain and any vision abnormality then cautiously contact your doctor. As anti-tuberculous drug may cause optic neuritis which needs doctor’s guidance.
   
3. If you get severe joint pain or swelling of the big toe and other similar symptoms then once again contact your doctor, because antituberculous medicines may cause hyperuricemia and gout.

These side effects are not very common but if you notice these side effects then don’t panic. These can be managed without affecting the treatment of tuberculosis. Consult your doctor.
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