I Am Going In Next Monday For An Outpatient Test

Posted on Wed, 15 May 2019

Question: i am going in next monday for an outpatient test that puts a needle in lungs to get a sample of my lung tissue. The lung doctor decided to do this test after doing a test which I spit in a cup and sent it off to a lab. The doctor said my salvia tested positive for mycrobacterial tb ?? but the strain did not come out positive. He does not want to treat me unless the tissue is positive. I had pneumonia for 6 months last year but fairly healthy. I have a wet cough, excessive saliva, and sometimes not alot but a burning feeling in my lungs. I read you can get this from drinking alcohol and I drink 2-3 beers a night. Is this from the drinking?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Yes, alcohol ingestion can indirectly cause tuberculosis.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Yes, alcohol ingestion can indirectly cause tuberculosis.
Actually alcohol ingestion regularly causes immunosuppression. This immunosuppression makes you vulnerable for infections like Tuberculosis.
Alcohol ingestion on regular basis also cause Malnutrition in the body. This also increases chance of tuberculosis infection.
So your daily alcohol ingestion is the likely cause for your tuberculosis.
Please let me know if you are a smoker.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 days later)

I am not a smoker but did smoke for 14 years. 15-29 and I am now 59. I guess the test they are going to do is a bronchoscopy. I am really scared that I done something to myself that can not be fixed.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry much. It is safe procedure.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
No need to worry for bronchoscopy. It is safe, short and easy procedure.
Don't think too much.
Be relax and calm.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

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