Question 1

I've been dealing with a bit of a concern ever since I had COVID-19 last April. I got through it in about a week without needing to go to the hospital or taking any heavy-duty meds, but now a couple of times a day, I notice a light wheezing in my chest. It usually happens in the morning when I wake up, and to get rid of it, I end up coughing hard, which brings up a chunk of phlegm. I dont have a constant cough, only when I try to clear the wheezing. Is this normal post-COVID, or should I be worried about it?

Accepted Answer

Syrup salbutamol 10 ml orally thrice daily 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 been dealing with these dry coughs for a while now, and they just won't go away. They're not super intense, but they're definitely annoying. I don't have any other issues, just this pesky cough. I kinda hoped it would disappear on its own, but it doesn't seem to be happening. What do you think might be going on?

Accepted Answer

Take a consultation with Pulmonologist for better evaluation and treatment.

Yes,continue all the medications as advised by the physician.

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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