Question 1

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 2

My mom's been on atorva for the past couple of years, but she's recently started having this weird dry cough that we can't really explain. Could this be a side effect of atorva? I've read that it might lead to interstitial lung disease or something like that. She's 53, by the way. Could that be related?

Accepted Answer

Pulmonologist opinion for intersstitial lung diseases.

Question 3

I've been having some health issues lately that I'm getting pretty worried about. Last September, I had ear pain, a throat infection, and a cold. After visiting a doctor, I went through a round of antibiotics - Taxim O, Cheston Cold, Chymoral Forte, and Ciprofloxacin drops. Everything seemed to clear up, but then about a month later, I got a really bad throat infection again. The doctor then prescribed Yofix Az 250 mg Cefixime, Azithromycin, Chymoral Forte three times a day for a week, along with Syrup Gryllinctus for a wet cough and Betadine gargling. The throat thing cleared up after about 15 days, but now I'm dealing with something concerning. I cough up black phlegm, mostly in the mornings, and sometimes theres a tiny hair in it, plus Im having this slight feeling of breathlessness. Drinking hot water with honey and turmeric or apple cider vinegar seems to help a bit, but I'm still really anxious about it. With the whole lockdown and corona situation, I havent been able to make it to a doctor in person. What should I do?

Accepted Answer

Patient is advised tab allegra 120 mg,orally,bedtime for 14 days.

Continue ATT as advised by the pulmonologist.

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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