Question 1

I'm really worried about my friend. His oxygen level is around 90 when he's on 2L of support, but it drops to 55 when he tries to sit or do anything active. I know he had corona, and his CT score was 1424 on May 7, 2021. They've given him remdesivir, and he seems to be recovering from the virus, but he's having trouble breathing when the oxygen support is removed. It's been a month since he tested positive for COVID, yet he still needs oxygen. He recently had another CT scan on May 28, and the score is up to 2124. Can you help me understand what's going on with him? Why is he still facing these breathing issues? He's still in the hospital, and we're just really concerned.

Accepted Answer

his CT score has increased that means his infection is increased. that infection needs to be reduced then only he can be without oxygen support

Question 2

I'm worried that I might have caught TB from a friend who's being treated for it, but I don't have any symptoms yet. I'm trying to figure out which test would be most accurate to detect latent TB. Can the Mantoux test and sputum AFB both find it, or is one better than the other?

Accepted Answer

The most accurate test for detecting latent TB is the Interferon-Gamma Release Assay (IGRA), such as QuantiFERON or T-SPOT.TB, which measures the immune response to TB proteins; the Mantoux test (Tuberculin Skin Test) is also used, but it has some limitations, such as cross-reactivity with BCG vaccine and false negatives in immunocompromised individuals; sputum AFB (Acid-Fast Bacillus) smear is used to diagnose active TB, not latent TB, so it's not relevant in your case;

Question 3

I'm really worried about my friend who's been having these health issues. They've done an X-ray and blood tests, and there's a mix of opinions. Some are saying it could be TB, while others think it might be pneumonia. He's got a really bad cough and also has diabetes. What should we be looking out for, and what steps should we take next?

Accepted Answer

start ATT

Pulmonologist opinion is advised to the patient.

More Pulmonology/ Respiratory Medicine Health Queries

I'm worried that I might have caught TB from a friend who's being treated for it, but I don't have any symptoms yet. I'm trying to figure out which test would be most accurate to detect latent TB. Can the Mantoux test and sputum AFB both find it, or is one better than the other?

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