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
Diagnosed With PTB In The Upper Lobes.No Symptoms. Not On Medication Yet. Why?
i was diagnosed of minimal PTB both upper lobes, i did sputum exam as my doctor requested and results was negative. but what bothers me is that my doctor didn't give me a medication yet, instead he advised me to return after 3 months but if in case i have TB symptoms like cough and weight loss i must report to him . is it okay that i dont have a medication yet? by the way i dont have any symptoms right now.
Tue, 9 Apr 2013
Anonymous's Response
Anonymous's
Response
Hello,
It is important to know HOW the initial diagnosis was considered, was it just based on radiology reports? i.e., Chest X Ray or CT scan of chest
As the sputum c/s was negative, this excludes an active infection.
There are 2 other ways of knowing the activity of the disease:
1. The Mantoux test - 5TU of BCG injected intradermally and response seen after 48hrs
2. The Gamma interferon assay; if that is positive, then the chances are high and best you start the therapy.
Best Wishes.
It is important to know HOW the initial diagnosis was considered, was it just based on radiology reports? i.e., Chest X Ray or CT scan of chest
As the sputum c/s was negative, this excludes an active infection.
There are 2 other ways of knowing the activity of the disease:
1. The Mantoux test - 5TU of BCG injected intradermally and response seen after 48hrs
2. The Gamma interferon assay; if that is positive, then the chances are high and best you start the therapy.
Best Wishes.
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 Tuberculosis
Loading Online Doctors....