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What Causes Cough When Diagnosed With Pulmonary Fibrosis?

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Posted on Thu, 27 Jul 2017
Question: My father-in-law (60 yrs) chest X-ray says fibrotic changes in both upper zone lung -Likely due to kochs disease. Suggestion of early calcification in left lower zone lung. Is there anything to worry about.Currently he has symtomps of cough. Is this contagious?
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Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (43 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Better to get done sputum for AFB and CT thorax.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
In my opinion, we should first rule out active tuberculosis.
So get done sputum microscopic examination for AFB (acid fast bacilli - bacteria causing TB) and CT thorax. This will allow us identify if he is contagious.
CT thorax is more informative than chest x ray in diagnosis of active tuberculosis.
Please let me know if he is smoker and having breathlessness.
I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad
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Dr. Drkaushal85

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Practicing since :2008

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What Causes Cough When Diagnosed With Pulmonary Fibrosis?

Brief Answer: Better to get done sputum for AFB and CT thorax. Detailed Answer: Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. In my opinion, we should first rule out active tuberculosis. So get done sputum microscopic examination for AFB (acid fast bacilli - bacteria causing TB) and CT thorax. This will allow us identify if he is contagious. CT thorax is more informative than chest x ray in diagnosis of active tuberculosis. Please let me know if he is smoker and having breathlessness. I will be happy to help you further. Wishing good health to your father. Thanks.