Question 1

I've been on TB medication for 25 days now, and even though I'm feeling better physicallymy weight loss, fever and night sweats have disappearedI just got my sputum smear test results back and it's still 4+ positive. I know it can take a while to turn negative, but I was really hoping it might have gone down to 3 or 2 by now. Is this normal? Should I be concerned that it hasn't improved yet?

Accepted Answer

it is normal

Question 2

I had a right-sided pleural effusion back in July 2015, and even though I'm off medication now, I still feel pain on the right side when I take a deep breath or yawn. It doesn't feel normal. My last ESR was 10, done in January 2016. Can you help me understand what's going on?

Accepted Answer

It sounds like you may be experiencing residual pain from your previous pleural effusion. To help alleviate your symptoms, you can try taking over-the-counter pain relievers such as ibuprofen (Advil) or acetaminophen (Tylenol) as needed for pain relief. Additionally, you may benefit from using a prescription nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) like diclofenac (Voltaren) gel applied to the affected area for localized relief. It's important to follow the recommended dosage instructions for any medication you take. If your symptoms persist or worsen, please consult with your healthcare provider for further evaluation and management.

Question 3

I'm really worried because I've been struggling with shortness of breath for the past six months, especially at night, and it's making it impossible for me to sleep. I had a pulmonary test and they mentioned something about pneumobilia. Can you explain what that is and what might be causing this?

Accepted Answer

consult a surgeon

I've finished a nine-month treatment for TB. Is there a chance it might come back? What steps can I take to prevent it from happening again? Would love your advice.

it can come again. for prevention stay away from people who have tuberculosis, wear mask if you are going out

More Pulmonology/ Respiratory Medicine Health Queries

I had a right-sided pleural effusion back in July 2015, and even though I'm off medication now, I still feel pain on the right side when I take a deep breath or yawn. It doesn't feel normal. My last ESR was 10, done in January 2016. Can you help me understand what's going on?

I'm really worried because I've been struggling with shortness of breath for the past six months, especially at night, and it's making it impossible for me to sleep. I had a pulmonary test and they mentioned something about pneumobilia. Can you explain what that is and what might be causing this?

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