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Suggest Remedies For Mild Lung Scarring

Posted on Thu, 16 Feb 2017

Question: Hi
My husband cute from tb recently and his age is 33 now. Doctor says there is a scar in lungs due to tb. Is there any medicine or procedure to remove this scar. Is it harmful?
Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Mild scarring in lungs after TB is not harmful

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing in to us.

Many patients have mild scarring in the lungs even after TB is cured.

This is a permanent change and is not usually harmful in most patients.

There is no medicine to remove the scan and no treatment is required if TB is cured.

However he should avoid habits like smoking and working in high pollution areas to prevent any subsequent lung changes.

You can send me a copy of the xray so that I can see the amount of scarring.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (28 hours later)

hi,
i attach last x-ray report plz check and give any suggestion for next treatment. Is it harmful for future? My doctor told there is a scar and if any bad condition like fever, cough or blood in cough in future then only consult for further treatment. Could you verify the report...

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Suggested CT scan chest for detailed evaluation

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

To me it looks like there is a thickening or minimal fluid collection in the covering of the lungs called pleura.
If your husband were my patient then I would have suggested to do a CT scan chest. This will show in detail and help to decide any remedies available or if it can be left alone.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (16 hours later)

Hello sir,

Thanks for your response.I attach all the recent ct scan reports of my husband.Please check and provide for further required treatment.

Thanks

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
He might need medicine for some time longer, discuss with treating doctor

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

The CT scan shows that there are some changes leading to collapse of the right lung middle and lower lobe segments.

Besides the above there is a small amount of fluid collection on the side of the right chest wall.

These findings might need to be discussed with your doctor an treatment options to be reviewed. It is possible that he is recovering and is not completely cured therefore might need medicines for some time longer.

I hope you are taking treatment from TB specialist doctor. It will help to know what your doctor has told after a clinical examination.

Hope your query is answered.
Please do write back if you have any doubts.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 days later)

Thanks for your detailed information. We discussed with our doctor the same due to tb is not identified for long time and wrong medicine taken for cough, some scar is found in lung . Due to scar other portion is collapse. Now tb medicine is closed and an inhaler(budamate400) is prescribed. Next check up is done after 3 - 6 month.

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (4 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Confirmation of diagnosis is important

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

Confirmation of diagnosis is important and taking wrong medicines is bad for health.

In the recent chest xray and CT scan there is small amount of fluid collection in the chest cavity. You can discuss with your doctor of this fluid is to be taken out using a needle and tested for infection to confirm diagnosis.

Other measures like a nutritious 2000 kcal diet and vitamins is recommended. Avoiding pollution and taking budamate will prevent any acute respiratory problems.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Vivek Chail (2 days later)

Hi
Thank you for your time. I want to confirm some other information

As you say ther is a liquid layer showing on right side lobe. Is it shown from X-ray or ct scan because ct scan is recent and X-ray is 2 moth before.

Is this scar harmful. Is it expand quickly or we can prevents it by respiratory exercise and inhaler.
Any other option that I can protect my husband.
In how many interval i have to go for chek up. At time of check up which thing I have to mark or ask to doctor.
Thanks XXXXXXX

Answered by Dr. Vivek Chail (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Request additional information

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back with an update.

The collection is small but it might have been there for some time. It is likely from and infection and if infection is treated then it will not increase further. However your husband can do chest physiotherapy exercises and avoid smoking and pollution.

At the moment it is important to know what is the diagnosis that has been confirmed by your doctor since you have told that treatment was being given with wrong medicines. Can you please send me information on final diagnosis and treatment given during recent visit to the doctor.

I can suggest you interval check up after knowing final diagnosis, date of last consultation and treatment given.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar