Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with GoogleGet your health question answered instantly from our pool of 18000+ doctors from over 80 specialties
Can I Have T.B Even When If I Don't Have Any Of The Suggested Symptoms What So Ever ?
Hello Sir! I recently got an x-ray done and my doc said it suggests I might have T.B. I am to give sputum sample coming monday. Well the problem is I don t have any symptoms which suggest I have T.B. I am totally fit and fine so it freaked me out a bit. However I have had it before back in 2003-4 where I developed a lump on my neck and in the x-ray as well my doc had I had a mild infection in the lung so i was on medication and cured. I started smoking after my medication since then but I am not a heavy smoker. The last time i bought a 50gm tobacco lasted more than 3 months. I ve like really cut down on my in-take. So could smoking be the reason which suggest the possibility of T.B on my lung. Can I have T.B even when m not gong through any of the suggested symptoms what so ever? Please respond I am worried :(
Tue, 24 Jul 2012
User's Response
Dr. Tushar Sahasrabudhe's
Response
Hello.
You had TB in past. It is very likely that the present X-ray is showing the scars of the past infection. This is all the more likely as you have no symptoms. There is a simple way out. Look for you old X-rays of 2004 (the one taken at the time of stopping the treatment) and compare it with the present X-ray. If same shadows are seen, they are the old scars! If there are new shadows, then go ahead with the sputum examination.
With history of TB, I would strongly recommend that you remain away from smoking. Do not invite troubles...
-Dr. Tushar
You had TB in past. It is very likely that the present X-ray is showing the scars of the past infection. This is all the more likely as you have no symptoms. There is a simple way out. Look for you old X-rays of 2004 (the one taken at the time of stopping the treatment) and compare it with the present X-ray. If same shadows are seen, they are the old scars! If there are new shadows, then go ahead with the sputum examination.
With history of TB, I would strongly recommend that you remain away from smoking. Do not invite troubles...
-Dr. Tushar
Disclaimer: These answers are for your information only and not intended to replace your relationship with your treating physician.
This is a short, free answer.
For a more detailed, immediate answer, try our premium service
[Sample answer]
Related questions you may be interested in
Recent questions on X ray
Loading Online Doctors....