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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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How To Confirm Pulmonary Tuberculosis?

hi, I am vine 23 years old, 5'6 tall and weights 47kilos.my chest x-ray result impression shows that "right upper lobe densities was suggestive of minimal PTB. Acivity undetermined and comparative study suggested." But I dont have any signs and symptoms of having PTB. Should I rely on that x-ray result alone or should I have it repeated? what should I do to confirm that I really have a PTB?
Fri, 17 Jun 2016
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
No, you should not start anti tubercular drugs only on the basis of this chest x ray report.
Any lung infection in the past can produce similar looking x ray lesions.
So better to consult pulmonologist and get done
1. Clinical examination of respiratory system
2. CT thorax. CT scan is more informative as compare to chest x ray for lung parenchymal lesions.
3. Bronchoscopy and BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) analysis.
If both these are negative for active infection, no need to worry for tuberculosis and no need to start any treatment.
So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.
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How To Confirm Pulmonary Tuberculosis?

Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic. I can understand your concern. No, you should not start anti tubercular drugs only on the basis of this chest x ray report. Any lung infection in the past can produce similar looking x ray lesions. So better to consult pulmonologist and get done 1. Clinical examination of respiratory system 2. CT thorax. CT scan is more informative as compare to chest x ray for lung parenchymal lesions. 3. Bronchoscopy and BAL (bronchoalveolar lavage) analysis. If both these are negative for active infection, no need to worry for tuberculosis and no need to start any treatment. So consult pulmonologist and discuss all these. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.