Question 1

I've been dealing with a lot of extra sputum all day for about six months now, and every now and then I find myself needing to take deep breaths. After exercising, I get this itchy feeling in my throat like something's stuck there. There's no fever, chest pain, coughing, or weight loss, but my nose is always congested and I find myself taking deep breaths throughout the day. It seems to calm down at night though. I'm wondering what's going on.

Accepted Answer

Ecg,x-ray chest pa view,sputum for AFB and microscopy and spirometry is advised to the patient.

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've still been having trouble with my breathing even though it's been three months since I recovered from Covid. It just doesn't seem to be getting better. What could be causing this, and are there any ways to help speed up my recovery?

Accepted Answer

steam inhalation, avoid dust exposure

there are medications to cure lung fibrosis

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?

I've still been having trouble with my breathing even though it's been three months since I recovered from Covid. It just doesn't seem to be getting better. What could be causing this, and are there any ways to help speed up my recovery?

Health Articles for you

Coughing Up Blood: A Guide to Causes and Urgent Action

Savior of Life: Your Essential Guide to ECMO Therapy

Say No to Tobacco: A Pulmonologist’s Guide

Pneumonia Overview: Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment

Understanding Tuberculosis: Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment