Hi My Mother 67 Coughing Badly For Three Days Now

Posted on Sat, 13 Apr 2019

Question: Hi
My mother 67 coughing badly for three days now no fever got admitted in hospital
Xray shows cavitating pneumonia
She is diabetic
Doctor suspect for tb
I'm really scared my 5 yr old daughter was playing with her all the time
Can u please give your opinion

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, possibility of TB is very high.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the x ray image you have attached.
It is very likely of tuberculosis.
So get done sputum for AFB, Genexpert and culture.
Start anti tubercular drugs as early as possible.
For your daughter , get done chest x ray and MT (mantoux test).
If she is playing well, normal chest x ray and MT negative then no need to worry for tuberculosis in her.
Please let me know
1. Is your daughter have any symptoms??
2. Is she having coughing?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)

No she does not have any symptoms
She is absolutely normal
Today I have taken chest xray which is normal
Taken mantoux test need to wait for results
How about other family members, even adults need to take the test ?
My mother has only dry cough
That too only for 3 days now
Tomorrow doctors planned for bronchoscopy

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (0 minute later)

Brief Answer:
Children below 6 years are at more risk than others.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Honestly speaking, all are at risk but children under 6 years of age are having more risk.
If any of the family member is having coughing or fever then he or she should undergo chest x ray.
Your daughter also needs isoniazid prophylaxis, dose is to 10mg/kg.
So start isoniazid prophylaxis in her.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your mother. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 days later)

Hi I have taken mantoux test and xray for all my family members.
Only for my husband there is a mild redness
I have attached picture
Please give me ur opinion

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (17 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry for this.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
I have gone through the image you have attached.
No need to worry for this.
This is not significant.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana