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Is There A Way To Remove TB Scars From Lungs?
Question: I had TB in (May) 2005 which was completely cured at that time but my current chest x-ray reveals a scar. I am applying for Australian PR (VISA) - will it be a problem/hinderance in my visa application. Do suggest, if I need to take some medication for removing this scar or additional medication, if any, before applyting for Visa. I have no other symptoms of TB as of today (Dec 2014).
Brief Answer:
Chest X ray with features of treated TB and scar is given visa by Australia
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
The problem you are facing is a common one and often asked by those trying jobs overseas.
I have seen through the reports attached and the concerned radiologist has clearly mentioned that there is no active lesion seen. Technically this is written when two chest X rays taken at least 6 months apart show no new changes. So I am sure that you do not have TB.
No medication is available to remove these scars.
Australia visa rules mentions the following for any one having TB features on chest X ray
Visa applicants aged 11 years or older must undergo a chest x-ray. Applicants under 11 may be required to have an x-ray if there are indications they have TB or have a history of contact with a person with TB. The purpose of the x-ray is to determine whether there is any evidence of either active or previous TB.
Evidence of active or previous TB will not, in itself, adversely impact on the outcome of the visa application.
Where x-rays show possible evidence of TB, the applicant will be asked to undergo more specific tests to establish whether or not active TB is present.
Coming to the problem with the scar, it is a change that has happened after the area affected TB has healed. Just like a wound injury on your skin heals by scar formation, the same way a injury in the lung forms a scar area when it heals.
Many of the countries have strict regulation when giving visas and these rules are changed regularly. It might be important to get your X ray certified by a TB specialist if required, stating that there is no active TB is there in you.
You might be asked to take more tests but there will not be any problem as you do not have an active lesion.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Chest X ray with features of treated TB and scar is given visa by Australia
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
The problem you are facing is a common one and often asked by those trying jobs overseas.
I have seen through the reports attached and the concerned radiologist has clearly mentioned that there is no active lesion seen. Technically this is written when two chest X rays taken at least 6 months apart show no new changes. So I am sure that you do not have TB.
No medication is available to remove these scars.
Australia visa rules mentions the following for any one having TB features on chest X ray
Visa applicants aged 11 years or older must undergo a chest x-ray. Applicants under 11 may be required to have an x-ray if there are indications they have TB or have a history of contact with a person with TB. The purpose of the x-ray is to determine whether there is any evidence of either active or previous TB.
Evidence of active or previous TB will not, in itself, adversely impact on the outcome of the visa application.
Where x-rays show possible evidence of TB, the applicant will be asked to undergo more specific tests to establish whether or not active TB is present.
Coming to the problem with the scar, it is a change that has happened after the area affected TB has healed. Just like a wound injury on your skin heals by scar formation, the same way a injury in the lung forms a scar area when it heals.
Many of the countries have strict regulation when giving visas and these rules are changed regularly. It might be important to get your X ray certified by a TB specialist if required, stating that there is no active TB is there in you.
You might be asked to take more tests but there will not be any problem as you do not have an active lesion.
Hope this answers your question. Please feel free to correct any oversight in my interpretation of your problems and discuss them in detail as per your requirements.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Dr. XXXXXXX - you have addressed my concerns to an extent.
If at the time of health checkup by Visa Authorities (which happen at a laster stage of application processing) - they find this scar on x-ray but no active lesion/signs of active TB noticed based on x-ray (taken at that time), will they ask for additional tests for TB such as Sputum or Chest specialist report as per Australian Visa Rules; or will they XXXXXXX goahead merely on the basis of 'with scar but clean (no signs of active lesion/disease) x-ray'? What does Australian Visa Medical rules say about this?
Even if they ask for additional tests and everything comes out clean - can the Visa authorities take this plea for denying me the visa -"since, i suffered in past, i am more probable to get affected again vis-a-vis a normal person who has never suffered from this disease before; and hence they decide to deny the visa"? What is your understanding and experience based on Visa rules that you are aware of OR if you have noticed similar precedents?
Pls note - I intend to disclose in my Visa application about this disease and be fair to those authorities but want to proceed ahead for my application after getting adequate information on this aspect. My x-ray was checked by TB Specialist on 30 Dec 14 and he mentioned in report (which I shared with you) that no active lesion seen.
Really appreciate your last reply and look forward to furthe clarification. Wish you and your team a very happy new year. warm regards
If at the time of health checkup by Visa Authorities (which happen at a laster stage of application processing) - they find this scar on x-ray but no active lesion/signs of active TB noticed based on x-ray (taken at that time), will they ask for additional tests for TB such as Sputum or Chest specialist report as per Australian Visa Rules; or will they XXXXXXX goahead merely on the basis of 'with scar but clean (no signs of active lesion/disease) x-ray'? What does Australian Visa Medical rules say about this?
Even if they ask for additional tests and everything comes out clean - can the Visa authorities take this plea for denying me the visa -"since, i suffered in past, i am more probable to get affected again vis-a-vis a normal person who has never suffered from this disease before; and hence they decide to deny the visa"? What is your understanding and experience based on Visa rules that you are aware of OR if you have noticed similar precedents?
Pls note - I intend to disclose in my Visa application about this disease and be fair to those authorities but want to proceed ahead for my application after getting adequate information on this aspect. My x-ray was checked by TB Specialist on 30 Dec 14 and he mentioned in report (which I shared with you) that no active lesion seen.
Really appreciate your last reply and look forward to furthe clarification. Wish you and your team a very happy new year. warm regards
Brief Answer:
A no active TB certificate might be required
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
While TB is common in XXXXXXX the other countries have got rules in place to control the passage of persons affected by TB. Australia is once such country but by reading the reading the rules, it is understood that they will not stop your employment opportunities should you have had TB in the past and presently do not have the disease.
I have noted that the TB chest doctor has written no active disease is present but such a comment should be given in the form of a certificate which is neatly typed and containing the doctors seal and registration number. I am sure your doctor will help you with that.
The rules say that the final decision of the visa issuing officials will not depend much on the chest X ray findings if you have been treated earlier and are free from disease. There are many additional tests to choose from like sputum, blood for antibodies and X ray chest or CT scan chest imaging findings and this might be decided by the visa officials after reading through your certificate.
With my experience I know people who have been denied jobs in the middle east for scars and fibrosis on chest X ray but I think Australia might have easier rules.
It is good to know that you wish to include details of your past illness and treatment in your visa application. Please make sure you make copies (colour and black and white) of the certificate to be attached with the visa application. this will help you produce the docu
A no active TB certificate might be required
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
While TB is common in XXXXXXX the other countries have got rules in place to control the passage of persons affected by TB. Australia is once such country but by reading the reading the rules, it is understood that they will not stop your employment opportunities should you have had TB in the past and presently do not have the disease.
I have noted that the TB chest doctor has written no active disease is present but such a comment should be given in the form of a certificate which is neatly typed and containing the doctors seal and registration number. I am sure your doctor will help you with that.
The rules say that the final decision of the visa issuing officials will not depend much on the chest X ray findings if you have been treated earlier and are free from disease. There are many additional tests to choose from like sputum, blood for antibodies and X ray chest or CT scan chest imaging findings and this might be decided by the visa officials after reading through your certificate.
With my experience I know people who have been denied jobs in the middle east for scars and fibrosis on chest X ray but I think Australia might have easier rules.
It is good to know that you wish to include details of your past illness and treatment in your visa application. Please make sure you make copies (colour and black and white) of the certificate to be attached with the visa application. this will help you produce the docu
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Vaishalee Punj
Thanks Dr. XXXXXXX for your response; really helpful. I will appreciate if you may clarify the following:
1. can you pls share the weblink or pdf of Australian Immigration medical guidelines/rules which state past cases of this disease with present clear/no symptoms are allowed PR visa; I tried finding it but could not locate it over immigration website or web. (my email id is ' YYYY@YYYY ').
2. you mentioned in your previous reply that i should not get cold before medical check-up. I want to inform you that I stay in XXXXXXX and I have flem problem on more or less regular basis during winters, at the time of change in weather and due to high level of pollution. Hope it will not pose a big problem for immigration medical check-up. Do suggest if I need to take consult a doctor for the medication; in fact I did speak to a doctor he mentioned it is due to pollution and not a real health problem; but not sure if it could be a challenge for immigration health check-up.
3. Do I need to take up any medication before immigration medical check-up or any prescription for this disease. I believe, once properly treated it should not require any further treatment or follow on medical prescriptions provided the patient does not indicate any disease symtoms.
warm regards
1. can you pls share the weblink or pdf of Australian Immigration medical guidelines/rules which state past cases of this disease with present clear/no symptoms are allowed PR visa; I tried finding it but could not locate it over immigration website or web. (my email id is ' YYYY@YYYY ').
2. you mentioned in your previous reply that i should not get cold before medical check-up. I want to inform you that I stay in XXXXXXX and I have flem problem on more or less regular basis during winters, at the time of change in weather and due to high level of pollution. Hope it will not pose a big problem for immigration medical check-up. Do suggest if I need to take consult a doctor for the medication; in fact I did speak to a doctor he mentioned it is due to pollution and not a real health problem; but not sure if it could be a challenge for immigration health check-up.
3. Do I need to take up any medication before immigration medical check-up or any prescription for this disease. I believe, once properly treated it should not require any further treatment or follow on medical prescriptions provided the patient does not indicate any disease symtoms.
warm regards
Brief Answer:
Please find web links as requested below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Please find clarifications below
1. Below you can find web page links to the requested informations as asked
(i) Australia immigration authority mentioning the details and
https://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/22health.htm
(ii) A pdf containing details about chest X ray rules and forms
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/160.pdf
2. Getting cold might require you to get thoroughly investigated for possible reinfection. Hope you have understood my point. You can consult your doctor and take preventive medications should get cold from dust allergy. This can always be a reason to delay your visa.
3. You do not have to take any medications right now for TB because you are free from the disease.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find web links as requested below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX,
Thanks for writing back with an update.
Please find clarifications below
1. Below you can find web page links to the requested informations as asked
(i) Australia immigration authority mentioning the details and
https://www.immi.gov.au/media/fact-sheets/22health.htm
(ii) A pdf containing details about chest X ray rules and forms
http://www.immi.gov.au/allforms/pdf/160.pdf
2. Getting cold might require you to get thoroughly investigated for possible reinfection. Hope you have understood my point. You can consult your doctor and take preventive medications should get cold from dust allergy. This can always be a reason to delay your visa.
3. You do not have to take any medications right now for TB because you are free from the disease.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
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