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Is Calcification In Lungs A Cause For Concern?
Question: I had a medical check up for Saudi Visa and the doctor asked me to have allegra 180mg tablets, 1 per day, for 6 days and return for an X ray of the chest (says there is calcification observed on lungs - I had cold and cough just before the medical check up). Will this lead to an unfit report ?
Brief Answer:
The countries do not give visa if tuberculosis is confirmed
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Allegra medicine is for allergy causing cold and cough. They have given it to you to treat the symptoms.
2. Calcification occurs due to old infections. It is important to know the size and location of the calcification in lungs. Small calcifications can be ignored. Large ones can result in detailed testing before visa is given.
3. The problem is such calcification can happen due to tuberculosis in a person. The countries do not allow any one with active tuberculosis from entering.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
The countries do not give visa if tuberculosis is confirmed
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Please find my observations below.
1. Allegra medicine is for allergy causing cold and cough. They have given it to you to treat the symptoms.
2. Calcification occurs due to old infections. It is important to know the size and location of the calcification in lungs. Small calcifications can be ignored. Large ones can result in detailed testing before visa is given.
3. The problem is such calcification can happen due to tuberculosis in a person. The countries do not allow any one with active tuberculosis from entering.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
I have never been diagnosed with TB ever but have had frequent URT infections in the past. The prescription given by doctor has this note below (haven't seen the x-ray yet) Cal (R+) L2 ? . Does this mean anything in terms of severity of the calcification. why did the doctor ask me to come back after 6 days - calcification from what I read would not be reversed/reduced in 6 days so what will be seen in X ray after 6 days ?
Brief Answer:
It will most likely be seen in next x ray
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The prescription reads probably calcification in right lower zone. This can be from repeated lower respiratory tract infections.
2. It is true that the calcification will not go after taking medicine and usually stays for life long. Therefore it will be most likely seen in the next x ray after 6 days.
3. You have to convince the people that you never had tuberculosis. Respiratory tract infection is not a limitation for visa. Please discuss with a pulmonologist or lung specialist and take a fitness certificate if required.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
It will most likely be seen in next x ray
Detailed Answer:
Hi xxxxxxxxxxxx,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
1. The prescription reads probably calcification in right lower zone. This can be from repeated lower respiratory tract infections.
2. It is true that the calcification will not go after taking medicine and usually stays for life long. Therefore it will be most likely seen in the next x ray after 6 days.
3. You have to convince the people that you never had tuberculosis. Respiratory tract infection is not a limitation for visa. Please discuss with a pulmonologist or lung specialist and take a fitness certificate if required.
Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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