I'm really concerned about my sister who's been in treatment for pulmonary tuberculosis for a bit now. Her recent x-ray showed 45% damage on her right lung and 15% on the left one. These numbers worry me, and I'm unsure if this is a serious issue. The doctors mentioned lung cavities. Does this mean shes in a risky situation? Also, shes able to sit and walk but gets tired quickly when walking for too long. Shes only 20 years old. Is there any possibility that her lungs can heal and return to their original state? I'm wondering if the damage can be reversed since she's still young.

Answered by 1 Apollo Doctors

Dr Ranjith Darla

General Practitioner

MBBS
3+ Yrs

Consult Now

yes there are chances it can become normal. it takes sometime after completion of treatment

Dr. Ranjith Suggests...

Consult a Pulmonology Respiratory Medicine Specialist

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Answered 04/07/2025

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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?

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;

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My mother-in-law has been using a Duolin inhaler and albuterol sulfate 90mcg while in the USA, but now that we're in India, I can't find albuterol here. Can she use an Asthalin inhaler 100mcg instead? I'm a bit worried about making the right switch.

kk u can take

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I'm a bit concerned because I recovered from COVID-19 about 15 days ago, but I still have some lingering issues. I had a mild case with just a loss of smell, but now I'm experiencing weakness, constant hunger, headaches, gastric problems, and some breathing difficulties. My oxygen levels dropped to 94-96 while they're usually 98-99. Is this something I should be worried about? What should I do?

do breathing exercises

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