Coping skills
Undergoing treatment for TB for a long period of time can be complicated, yet sticking with therapy is the only way to cure the disease. You may find it helpful to have your medication administered by a nurse or other health care professional so that you don't have to remember to take it on your own. In addition, try to maintain your normal activities and hobbies and stay connected with family and friends.
Keep in mind that your physical health can directly impact your mental health. Denial, anger and frustration are not uncommon when you learn life has dealt you something difficult and unexpected. At times, you may need more tools to deal with these or other emotions. Professionals, such as therapists or behavioral psychologists, may help you put things in perspective.
Complications
Pulmonary TB can cause permanent lung damage when it's not diagnosed and treated early. Untreated active disease can also spread to other parts of the body where it can lead to serious or life-threatening complications. TB that infects the bone, for example, can cause severe pain, abscesses and joint destruction.
Meningeal TB, which occurs when TB infects your brain and central nervous system, and miliary TB, which occurs when TB bacteria spread throughout your entire body, are particularly dangerous forms of the disease. Children are especially susceptible to both meningeal TB and miliary TB.
Recurrence
The most serious complication, however, is the recurrence of TB after the initial infection and the development of drug-resistant strains of the disease.