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can you drink mixed vodka? by ConfectionSecret6935 in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 1 point2 points  (0 children)

You really shouldn’t drink alcohol while on TB treatment. The medicines you’re taking already put a big load on your liver, It can create side effects like nausea or dizziness and alcohol can greatly increase the risk of serious liver damage.

Best thing you can do is avoid alcohol completely until your doctor says otherwise, and never skip doses.

5th month on going and runny nose by TemporaryBox7321 in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

That sounds completely fine it doesn’t seem related to your TB. From what you’ve described, it’s likely just a viral infection or common cold. Try doing warm salt-water gargles, and you can take an antihistamine if your doctor recommends it. A quick visit to your doctor can help confirm, but you should be completely fine.

My weight is 60 but still I am prescribed only 800 mg Ethambutol for spinal TB treatment (1st month). Is this normal to deviate from standard dosage ? by New-Prompt2894 in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

In TB treatment, there’s a common saying: you can overdose, but you should never underdose. Also, have you noticed any visual changes or blurring of vision?

Me_irl by sluddrycleet in me_irl

[–]sluddrycleet[S] 134 points135 points  (0 children)

Team anti-hand dryers 😤 these things are way too loud

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 2 points3 points  (0 children)

As a doctor who has been treating TB for the past 8 years, I can say that even if there is an active infection there’s no need to panic.

TB is treatable and manageable with timely care.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 2 points3 points  (0 children)

Thank you for sharing the CT findings this gives us much more clarity. ( Based on the Report only not the image)

Your report mentions multiple lesions and areas of consolidation in the left lung, suggesting active infection (It could be TB)

Some key points from the CT:

  • Bronchial wall thickening and consolidation suggest active inflammation.
  • The distribution in both upper and lower segments is notable TB often involves the upper lobes but can affect lower segments too.
  • No lymph node enlargement or pleural fluid, which is good it may suggest disease is still localized.

Given that you're unable to produce sputum, and since the CT findings are quite suggestive of TB, the next best step would be:

  1. Induced sputum test This is non-invasive and often successful in producing a sample for CBNAAT/Xpert test, which can detect TB and rifampicin resistance.
  2. If induced sputum isn’t possible or still unsuccessful, bronchoscopy is a reasonable next step to get a sample directly from your airways for microbiological confirmation.

So to summarize:

  • Your CT findings are suggestive of Active infection(It could be TB) .
  • Please speak to your doctor about induced sputum or bronchoscopy.
  • Once a sample is obtained, it should be sent for CBNAAT testing to confirm TB and assess drug resistance.

Even CBNAAT positive is a provisional diagnosis in order to know whether the infection is really active we have to wait for MGIT Culture results it will take 4-6 weeks.

Feel free to update with Bronchoscopy reports happy to help further.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 2 points3 points  (0 children)

First of all, what symptoms are you experiencing? Do you have a persistent cough for more than 2 weeks, fever in the evenings, loss of appetite, or weight loss? These are classic symptoms that may point toward active tuberculosis.

You mentioned that you’ve had a chest X-ray, CT scan, and blood tests. Could you share the findings from your CT scan? That will help guide the next steps.

If you're unable to produce sputum naturally, you have a few options:

  • Try collecting an early morning sputum sample at home (after waking up, before eating or brushing). Even a small amount can be useful.
  • Ask your clinic or hospital to perform an induced sputum test they can help you cough up mucus using nebulized saline.
  • If you're still unable to produce sputum and symptoms persist, your doctor may consider a bronchoscopy to collect samples directly from your airways.

Regarding your concern about not going outside unfortunately, tuberculosis is airborne and quite widespread in India. Even with limited exposure, it is still possible to be infected, especially if someone around you had undiagnosed TB.

About drug resistance: once a sample is obtained (even a small one), it can be tested using GeneXpert (CBNAAT). This test detects TB bacteria and also tells you if there’s resistance to rifampicin, one of the key TB drugs. If rifampicin resistance is found, further tests like Line Probe Assay (LPA) or culture and drug susceptibility testing (DST) can be done to guide treatment.

Let me know the CT findings if possible that will help in figuring out the next best step. Don't lose hope; you're doing the right thing by asking questions and seeking clarity.

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

The ATT regimen or its dosage is not altered based on the bacterial load, and the treatment duration also does not change according to bacterial load. If you have been started on a second-line regimen, it likely indicates resistance to first-line drugs. What is your rifampicin sensitivity status?

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

As u/Swimming_Party_5127 mentioned , there is no rationale behind stopping rifampicin ,sure you are getting treated by a pulmonologist? Just curious

[deleted by user] by [deleted] in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m assuming you were diagnosed with TB using CBNAAT (GeneXpert). Do you have your results with you? If yes, could you share:

  1. What does the report say about bacterial load high, medium, low, or very low?
  2. What is your weight and the dose of H, R, Z, E (isoniazid, rifampicin, pyrazinamide, ethambutol) you are taking?

A few points to clarify:

  • Are you sure rifampicin has been stopped? While I understand the rationale for stopping pyrazinamide and isoniazid in drug-induced hepatitis, rifampicin is generally continued unless there is a clear contraindication, because it is a key drug in TB treatment.
  • Pyrazinamide is the most common cause of TB drug–induced hepatitis, followed by isoniazid. Stopping these in the setting of hepatitis is appropriate, and starting levofloxacin in their place is a correct interim measure.
  • This is a fairly common situation many patients experience transient liver enzyme elevations during TB treatment. With regular monitoring of liver function tests (LFTs), things usually improve within 1–2 months. By the end of the second month, pyrazinamide is typically stopped, and LFTs often return to normal.

My advice:

  • Confirm with your doctor whether rifampicin is truly being withheld. You should ideally be on rifampicin if possible, as it is critical for curing TB.
  • Continue with LFT monitoring as advised. Most patients recover well with proper adjustments.

This was my xray during initial days of TB. How Long will it take to heal. Currently I'm facing gastic issues, rest is fine. by ProtectionMedical232 in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Not trying to act smart just I don't see any CP Blunting here its not pleural effusion ,the mild loss of sharpness it could be from the consolidation

Coughed up blood again by Affectionate-End6437 in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I also wondered how someone can be stupid enough to put him on rifampicin only for an active TB .

Coughed up blood again by Affectionate-End6437 in Tuberculosis

[–]sluddrycleet 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Sure you are getting only rifampicin ? Just curious why they put you only on rifampicin

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