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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Suggest Treatment For TB, Runny Nose And Cough

Hi Dr. Rynne, I m seeing a pulmonologist tomorrow but I m hoping you can help relieve my anxiety until then. First, I have RA and have been on Humira since April. I had an indeterminate TB test and an unclean x-ray of my left lung in December so did a 4 month course of Rifampin. All of this may or may not have anything to do with anything but in April or May I started coughing. A few weeks ago, I went to my GP to find out why I was still coughing. He tried Singulair and Benzonatate. Neither have worked. I told him about the unclean x-ray and that I didn t understand what that was so he had me get another X-ray and a chest CT. Evidently the left lung is better but some abnormal things (maybe abscesses) have appeared on the right lung. I should mention that when I cough I sometimes bring up thick whitish mucus and my nose runs a little. I cough a lot during the day but very little at night in bed. Just wondering if you could give me a clue as to what s going on. Natalie
Thu, 23 Apr 2020
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General Surgeon 's  Response
Hi,

Noted your history about having coughing, X-ray and CT scan of chest, course of Rifampin, phlegn increased and visiting Pulmonologist soon.
Since you have undergone the treatment with anti-tubercular medicines the cause of the abscesses in the right lung needs to be found out.
This is possible by the following ways:
Review CT scan.
Send the phlegm for lab tests for culture, sensitivity, gram staining and AFB staining for tuberculosis, fungus and so on.
To find out the cause like for the abscesses whether any Bronchiectasis and so on and get treated medically or surgically as the case may be and as explained by the Pulmonologist.
Till then take steam inhalation.
Deep breathing exercises.
Chest Physiotherapy.
Continue the medicines as advised.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Regards,
Dr. T. Chandrakant, ENT and General Surgeon
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Suggest Treatment For TB, Runny Nose And Cough

Hi, Noted your history about having coughing, X-ray and CT scan of chest, course of Rifampin, phlegn increased and visiting Pulmonologist soon. Since you have undergone the treatment with anti-tubercular medicines the cause of the abscesses in the right lung needs to be found out. This is possible by the following ways: Review CT scan. Send the phlegm for lab tests for culture, sensitivity, gram staining and AFB staining for tuberculosis, fungus and so on. To find out the cause like for the abscesses whether any Bronchiectasis and so on and get treated medically or surgically as the case may be and as explained by the Pulmonologist. Till then take steam inhalation. Deep breathing exercises. Chest Physiotherapy. Continue the medicines as advised. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Regards, Dr. T. Chandrakant, ENT and General Surgeon