Concerns Regarding Lung Nodules and Possible Tuberculosis
Greetings! I am a 47-year-old female who does not take any medications and does not smoke. For the past year, I have experienced intermittent coughing, which I initially attributed to lingering effects from COVID-19. Occasionally, I could hear phlegm in my lungs, but I didn't encounter any other symptoms at that time. Recently, I noticed mild fever, with evening temperatures fluctuating between 37.0 and 37.5 degrees Celsius. This prompted me to undergo a chest x-ray. Overall, I feel well and haven't experienced any breathlessness. The x-ray revealed multiple shadows measuring up to 15mm, leading to the necessity of a CT scan, the results of which I will summarize (translated from another language): - The rib cage appears normal in shape. - No visible abnormalities are found in the soft tissues of the rib cage. - The tracheobronchial tree is normally developed, with the trachea and bronchi showing no obstructive formations. The walls of the bronchial tubes are unevenly thickened on the left side. - Lung roots and mediastinal structures are clearly defined. **Lung findings:** - On the right lung, no infiltrative changes or masses are evident. - In the left lung, particularly in segments S1+2, S4, S5 of the upper lobe and S6, S9, S10 of the lower lobe, there are numerous scattered polymorphic foci, varying from minimally detectable sizes to 13mm. Notably, segments S5 and S10 show areas of consolidation in the lung tissue, the largest measuring approximately 33 x 16mm in segment S10. - No fluid accumulation is detected in the pleural spaces. - The mediastinum remains in its normal position and is not dilated, showing no additional formations. - Intrathoracic lymph nodes appear normal in size and density. - The heart is situated normally, with no enlargement. - There is no fluid observable in the pericardial cavity. - The aorta maintains a normal diameter. - The pulmonary artery trunk is also of standard size. - No bony lesions were found in the ribs, sternum, or thoracic vertebrae. The Diaskin test returned positive results. The following are the results of my complete blood count (CBC): - Red Blood Cells: 4.65 (normal range 3.92-5.08) - Hemoglobin: 125 (normal range 119-146) - Hematocrit: 38.6% (normal range 36.6-44.0) - Mean Corpuscular Volume: 83.0 fL (normal range 82.9-98.0) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin Concentration: 32.4 g/dL (normal range 31.8-34.7) - Mean Corpuscular Hemoglobin: 26.8 pg (normal range 27.0-32.3) - Red Cell Distribution Width (SD): 45.9 fL (normal range 38.2-49.2) - Red Cell Distribution Width (CV): 14.4% (normal range 12.1-14.3) - Platelets: 299 (normal range 173-390) - Mean Platelet Volume: 9.9 fL (normal range 9.1-11.9) - Plateletcrit: 0.30% (normal range 0.18-0.39) - Platelet Distribution Width: 11.7% (normal range 9.9-15.4) - White Blood Cells: 6.87 (normal range 4.37-9.68) - Neutrophils: 5.21 (normal range 2.00-7.15) - Neutrophils %: 75.8% (normal range 42.5-73.2) - Eosinophils: 0.23 (normal range 0.03-0.27) - Eosinophils %: 3.3% (normal range 0.0-3.0) - Basophils: 0.03 (normal range 0.01-0.05) - Basophils %: 0.5% (normal range 0.0-0.7) - Monocytes: 0.45 (normal range 0.29-0.71) - Monocytes %: 6.5% (normal range 4.3-11.0) - Lymphocytes: 0.95 (normal range 1.16-3.18) - Lymphocytes %: 13.9% (normal range 18.2-47.4) I find it hard to believe that I might have tuberculosis, as I have not been in close contact with anyone who is ill. Since 2021, I have primarily been working from home, venturing out only for groceries. I live alone and see my family members infrequently, perhaps twice a month. I wonder if my previous job in customer service before 2021 could have exposed me to an infection that long ago? (Apologies for my English)
Answers (1)
8/14/2025, 12:41:32 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your situation. It’s understandable to feel concerned about your health, especially with recent findings. You have multiple lung nodules noted on your CT scan and a positive Diaskin test, which raises the possibility of tuberculosis (TB) or other lung issues. It's good that you are gathering information and seeking clarity.
Summary of Key Points:
- Lung Nodules: Presence of multiple nodules and areas of consolidation.
- Positive Diaskin Test: Indicates exposure to TB, but does not confirm active infection.
- Symptoms: Intermittent cough, mild fever, occasional phlegm, no breathlessness.
Explanation:
The findings from your CT scan, particularly the various nodules and consolidation, require careful consideration. The positive Diaskin test suggests prior exposure to TB or a latent TB infection. However, many people may test positive without having active disease, especially if they haven't shown symptoms indicative of TB like weight loss or severe night sweats.
As you also mentioned limited contact with others in recent years, it seems less likely that you contracted TB recently, though exposure from previous work in customer service is a possibility.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Symptoms:
- Keep track of your cough and any additional symptoms, such as weight changes, sweating at night, or increased fatigue.
-
Hydration and Throat Care:
- Drink plenty of fluids to soothe your throat and help clear mucus. Warm teas with honey may be calming.
-
Follow-Up Testing:
- Based on your recent results, follow up with your healthcare provider about further tests. This may include a sputum test or a bronchoscopy to evaluate the lung nodules more closely for TB or other potential issues.
-
Mental Well-Being:
- It’s normal to feel anxious about health matters. Consider talking to someone supportive about your feelings or reach out to a counselor if you need additional support.
-
Lifestyle and Health Maintenance:
- Continue eating a balanced diet, engage in light exercise as tolerated, and ensure you’re practicing good respiratory hygiene (like washing hands) to keep yourself healthy.
If you develop worsening symptoms like increased fever, difficulty breathing, or significant changes in your cough, consider seeking immediate medical attention.
Please remember to follow up with your healthcare provider to discuss your test results and the best approach to manage your health moving forward. Let me know if you have further questions or need more information.
Related Questions
Unexpected Head Pain During Dance Moves
This may seem humorous, yet I'm genuinely interested in uncovering the cause of this peculiar experience. I’m a 34-year-old female. A few months back, hoping to elevate my mood and get my body moving away from the grip of depression, I decided to play some music and dance in my living room. In a moment of misguided enthusiasm, I attempted to twerk. It's worth noting that I have a long history of lower back discomfort, I've never attempted to twerk before, and I lack the rhythm, flexibility, or skills typical of proficient dancers. As I embarked on my very first serious twerk attempt, a sudden jolt of agony shot through my forehead, nearly causing me to lose consciousness. It felt like being struck with a hammer. I was momentarily blinded by the pain, convinced I might have suffered an aneurysm or something equally serious. This intense sensation only lasted for about a minute, during which I dramatically considered that I might be the first individual to perish from twerking. You might think it was just a case of me bumping my head while trying to dance away my sadness; however, I assure you that this wasn’t the case. Just as abruptly as the pain struck, it dissipated. In that moment, I promised myself to never attempt twerking again. Fast forward to today, and I experienced a similar incident again—not the twerking, but the sudden stabbing pain in my skull. I was engaged in some back stretches, particularly the cat-cow pose, and during the cow portion, I once more felt an intense sharp pain in the center of my forehead, just above my right eye. Stars filled my vision, and everything seemed slightly distorted. This sensation vanished within seconds, leaving me puzzled. What is causing this reaction? How do my forehead and lower back relate in this context? It's baffling! I genuinely seek any insights that might help explain this mysterious phenomenon.
14-Year-Old Male with Cough and Rash Symptoms
My 14-year-old son, who stands at 5 feet 3 inches tall and weighs 149 pounds, has been experiencing persistent cough and cold-like symptoms for slightly over a week. He stayed home from school on January 30 and February 3 as he was feeling unwell, but aside from that, he has managed to attend school. The predominant issue has been his cough. Initially, he had a runny nose for a couple of days, but that symptom has since resolved. He has not complained about a sore throat or experienced any fever. This afternoon, he reported developing a rash with red spots. He mentioned that it itches a little, but it's not uncomfortable, and he does not feel any pain. The rash is primarily located on his abdomen and chest, with some patches on his legs and a little on his arms, but there are no spots on his back. I checked his temperature, which was recorded at 99.4°F. He is fully vaccinated according to the standard vaccination schedule recommended by pediatricians in the United States. Our residence is near Vancouver, WA, in case that information is pertinent. Additionally, we have not changed any laundry or personal care products recently. What could this condition possibly indicate?
Neurological Challenges Mimicking POTS Symptoms
A 36-year-old female, weighing 265 pounds, is dealing with a complex medical history that includes conditions like Complex Regional Pain Syndrome (CRPS), bipolar disorder, anxiety, PTSD, and a splenic artery aneurysm. There is a tentative diagnosis of hypertensive Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS). The patient experiences significant symptoms when not on medication, including a rapid heartbeat (ranging from 117 to 150 beats per minute), dangerously high blood pressure, episodes of vision impairment, difficulty walking accompanied by stumbling and falls, tremors, memory issues, and brain fog. Currently, her medication regimen includes Pristiq, lithium, lorazepam, low-dose naltrexone for pain management, and propranolol to regulate heart rates. She takes ubrelvy when needed. In January, a recurrence of severe pain radiating from her right side led to a hospital admission where her gallbladder was surgically removed due to complications. Although the surgery was successful, she subsequently developed CRPS, further complicating her health. While working in the emergency department, she experienced a sharp tearing pain associated with her known aneurysm. Unable to manage the pain, she informed her manager of her need to leave. During her walk back to her workspace, approximately 1500 feet away, she began to stagger and lost her vision, while also experiencing heavy sweating and shortness of breath. Support from coworkers was crucial, as she lost her strength and collapsed, gasping for air and experiencing vertigo. Her heart rate was recorded at almost 150 bpm and her blood pressure at 152/120. Once lying down, her vitals stabilized but would escalate again with movement. The attending nurse suspected POTS based on her symptoms. Despite efforts to provide explanations, her overnight doctor attributed her condition to anxiety. However, subsequent doctors recognized her situation increasingly suggested POTS and put her on a heart monitor after she began falling to one side, which later confirmed episodes of tachycardia over a monitoring period of two to three days. Her first cardiology appointment revealed a drop in her blood pressure when she stood, further aligning with the POTS suspicion. An echocardiogram was scheduled for the following week, but complications arose the very next morning at work, where rising distress prompted coworkers to assist her following an apparent episode of tachycardia. Administered Ativan temporarily helped alleviate some symptoms, but as her condition worsened, she was transported to the emergency department once again. After several hours of treatment, she was discharged with little clarity regarding her condition. Currently, she takes an extended-release dose of propranolol (80 mg), but without it, her heart rate can exceed 130 bpm, accompanied by memory lapses. Episodes of sporadic vision loss persist, alongside difficulty walking that has progressed to staggering or being unable to move at all, leading to falls. These occurrences are thought to be related to syncope. Neurological evaluations are underway, with initial tests like ECG and EEG returning normal results, but an MRI suggested increased intracranial pressure, though some specialists doubt its relevance. A pain specialist indicated that her pain conditions may not directly correlate but suggested central nervous system dysfunction related to stress could be a factor, as her symptoms often intensify during anxious moments. An Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist found no abnormalities causing her symptoms, and her cardiologist is pursuing further investigation at a specialized clinic, expressing concern about her ongoing employment due to the physical and financial strain it entails. The patient’s aneurysm was treated with an embolism in September, adding another layer to her intricate medical profile, and she is seeking additional perspectives on her challenging situation.
Understanding Prolapsed Appendix in Young Adults
Hello all, I’m a 25-year-old woman who has been struggling with persistent abdominal discomfort, along with nausea and diarrhea, for more than a decade. A recent colonoscopy has diagnosed me with a prolapsed appendix, despite the fact that my colon appears unaffected. Biopsy samples were collected to investigate potential inflammation, and I am currently awaiting those results. Additionally, I have a balloon enteroscopy scheduled to examine my small intestine more closely. From my research, it seems that appendiceal prolapse or intussusception is quite uncommon in adults. I am particularly interested in understanding how rare this issue truly is, especially for someone at my age, along with the typical causes that could lead to this condition. I have a few queries: How uncommon is a prolapsed appendix in adult patients? What are the most frequent causes linked to young women like myself? Are there specific risk factors or trends that might increase the likelihood of developing this issue? I’m not seeking a personal assessment, but I would be grateful for any information from those who are familiar with the occurrence and causes of this condition.
Did I Experience a Seizure Upon Waking?
This morning, I had an awakening that was unlike anything I’ve felt before. As a 23-year-old man, I’m familiar with sleep paralysis, often waking up immobile; however, today was distinct. I found myself in a state that resembled paralysis but accompanied by rapid, shallow breaths, akin to hyperventilation—something I don’t typically experience, even during strenuous activities. My body was trembling, reminiscent of numbness from cold or perhaps involuntary contractions throughout. Additionally, I felt a strange pressure on my groin, coupled with discomfort in my right testicle, as if they were being retracted into my body. I don’t regularly take medication aside from using an albuterol inhaler during asthma flare-ups. Standing at 6 feet 4 inches tall and weighing approximately 210 pounds, I also had a particularly unsettling dream just prior to waking, which might explain my reaction (at least, I hope it does). However, I can’t shake the anxiety that this could have been a type of seizure and I’m eager for input from those who have more expertise on the subject.