What Does Old Tb Scar In Chest Xray Mean. I

Posted on Sun, 28 Jul 2019

Question: What does old tb scar in chest xray mean. I never had tb. My chest xray report says evidence of fibrosis in lt lung due to old healed tb.

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (40 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
This means you might have previous lung infection.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Old fibrosis in lung is usually seen with tuberculosis or pneumonia or any other lung infection.
So you might be having previous history of pneumonia.
Another cause is smoking.
Smoking can also cause fibrosis.
So please let me know
1. Do you have previous history of any lung infection like pneumonia?
2. Do you smoke?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (35 minutes later)

Hi doctor
I never had above said diseases. I don't smoke. But I live in XXXXXXX where air quality index is low. I have also been exposed to second smoke. Once i have caught chest infection very minor that got healed in few weeks. Please suggest me what is to be done.
Thanks

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Do you have any symptoms at present?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Sorry for late reply as I was busy.
This kind of fibrosis can also be seen in second hand smoke.
Please let me know if you have any symptoms like cough, breathlessness, sputum production etc.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (13 hours later)

Hello doctor
I don't have any of the above said symptoms. Please suggest me what I should do. Is this progressive disease or just an old scar. Where shall I go for further treatment?
Thanks u

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No treatment required.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
Honestly speaking, no treatment is needed because you are not having any symptoms.
And for progression, you need to get done chest x ray annually for 2 years.
If fibrosis is same then no need for regular x rays.
Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng