Conversation: The conversation between human and AI assistant.
[|Human|] I have noticed swelling on the right side of lower neck around 15-20 days back.  The FNAC report is strongly suggestive of Tuberculosis. Can you please let me know if I can start the treatment? I need to know when the treatment starts, how can I come to know that I am relieved from TB and when my nodes will heal? Also let me know the precautions to be taken and how can I start my treatment. Whether this is infectious? And what are the reasons for this disease.
[|AI|]  Thanks for your query at Chat Doctor!In my opinion you are suffering from tubercular lymphadenitis infection. As your FNAC report also suggest the same. Absolutely it is high time you start the treatment with first line anti-tubercular Chat Doctor.  You may get registered if centers for treatment if provided in your country like DOTS in India where you get free treatment. You might have to undertake repeated aspirations for swelling if it persists and send sample for ZN staining and culture for AFB and sensitivity test for the same. There are special tests like Chains which can be ordered at that time for genotypic testing from aspirate. Yes this is infectious you need to take precautions and follow hygiene practices. After 2 weeks post treatment you will become non-infective. The reasons for the disease is living with a person suffering with TB or you may have contracted it through coughing by infected people who commonly move in public places. Sometimes latent TB gets activated with declining immunity. It is curative, so don't worry. Strictly adhere to treatment of long duration to avoid emergence of