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Can I Have T.B Even When If I Don't Have Any Of The Suggested Symptoms What So Ever ?
Hello Sir! I recently got an x-ray done and my doc said it suggests I might have T.B. I am to give sputum sample coming monday. Well the problem is I don t have any symptoms which suggest I have T.B. I am totally fit and fine so it freaked me out a bit. However I have had it before back in 2003-4 where I developed a lump on my neck and in the x-ray as well my doc had I had a mild infection in the lung so i was on medication and cured. I started smoking after my medication since then but I am not a heavy smoker. The last time i bought a 50gm tobacco lasted more than 3 months. I ve like really cut down on my in-take. So could smoking be the reason which suggest the possibility of T.B on my lung. Can I have T.B even when m not gong through any of the suggested symptoms what so ever? Please respond I am worried :(
posted on
Tue, 19 Jun 2012
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 24 Jul 2012
Answered on
Tue, 24 Jul 2012
Last reviewed on
User's Response
Dr. Tushar Sahasrabudhe's
Response
Hello.
You had TB in past. It is very likely that the present X-ray is showing the scars of the past infection. This is all the more likely as you have no symptoms. There is a simple way out. Look for you old X-rays of 2004 (the one taken at the time of stopping the treatment) and compare it with the present X-ray. If same shadows are seen, they are the old scars! If there are new shadows, then go ahead with the sputum examination.
With history of TB, I would strongly recommend that you remain away from smoking. Do not invite troubles...
-Dr. Tushar
You had TB in past. It is very likely that the present X-ray is showing the scars of the past infection. This is all the more likely as you have no symptoms. There is a simple way out. Look for you old X-rays of 2004 (the one taken at the time of stopping the treatment) and compare it with the present X-ray. If same shadows are seen, they are the old scars! If there are new shadows, then go ahead with the sputum examination.
With history of TB, I would strongly recommend that you remain away from smoking. Do not invite troubles...
-Dr. Tushar
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