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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Does "hazy And Streaky Infiltrates Seen In The Left Upper Lung" Mean?

Hello! I'm 18 years old and recently I just had a Chest PA. The findings were: hazy and streaky infiltrates seen in the left upper lung field. The rest of the lung fields are clear. The impression was: Left upper lung TB, activity undetermined. I'm somewhat confused since I don't have a known history of TB and during and prior to the test I don't manifest any of the common signs and symptoms of TB such as cough for more than 2 weeks. Please clarify me with my condition if I really have TB now. If I do have, what should I do? Thanks.
Wed, 21 Oct 2015
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Pulmonologist,  's  Response
Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Your x ray findings are more in favour of tuberculosis.
Tb infection is most commonly seen in upper lobes. Actually tb bacilli grow more in upper lobes due to high oxygen in upper lobes.
So any infiltration in the upper lobes must be first investigated for tuberculosis.
So possibility of tb is high in your case.
So consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, sputum examination for AFB (acid fast bacilli-bacteria causing tuberculosis), CT thorax and bronchoscopy if needed.
You may need anti tubercular drugs.
Minimum duration of 6 months is required.
So better to first confirm tuberculosis by above mentioned investigations and than start appropriate anti tubercular drugs.
Hope I have solved your query.
Wish you good health. Thanks.
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What Does "hazy And Streaky Infiltrates Seen In The Left Upper Lung" Mean?

Thanks for your question on Health Care Magic. I can understand your concern. Your x ray findings are more in favour of tuberculosis. Tb infection is most commonly seen in upper lobes. Actually tb bacilli grow more in upper lobes due to high oxygen in upper lobes. So any infiltration in the upper lobes must be first investigated for tuberculosis. So possibility of tb is high in your case. So consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system, sputum examination for AFB (acid fast bacilli-bacteria causing tuberculosis), CT thorax and bronchoscopy if needed. You may need anti tubercular drugs. Minimum duration of 6 months is required. So better to first confirm tuberculosis by above mentioned investigations and than start appropriate anti tubercular drugs. Hope I have solved your query. Wish you good health. Thanks.