Unveiling My TB Diagnosis: Was This the Cause of My Past Illness?
At age 23 and living in the USA, I recently embarked on a new job at a hospital which mandated a tuberculosis (TB) blood test. The results were unexpected – a positive diagnosis! Although I don’t have any current symptoms and have scheduled a chest x-ray for Monday, I can still commence work in a few weeks, albeit with additional requirements to fulfill in the meantime. Reflecting on my health issues from two years ago, I experienced a severe illness while at college. During that time, I was socializing frequently, attending fraternity parties, and consuming around 6-8 drinks weekly, which I'm sensitive to. What began as a simple cough rapidly escalated into something far more alarming. I've always dealt with recurrent coughs during colds, having experienced bronchitis multiple times and one incident of pneumonia, but this was on an entirely different level. The cough became so intense that it kept me awake at night, rendering me unable to retain food or water. I was vomiting anywhere from five to ten times daily due to the persistent coughing. In a span of three to four months, I lost 60 pounds. While I coughed up white lumps, I thankfully never saw blood. Ultimately, I had to resign from my job and struggled academically because I was often confined to my home. Even though it was winter in the Northeast, stepping outside felt overwhelmingly hot. Living alone without a partner or nearby family made matters worse, and I hesitated to disclose the severity of my situation to friends, leading to considerable isolation. Over this period, I visited the doctor more than seven times, and my condition escalated to the point where I needed hospitalization twice, often losing consciousness and experiencing hallucinations—on one occasion, I fainted in the hospital lobby. The medical team ran an exhaustive panel of tests, screening for a wide array of illnesses: COVID-19, various strains of influenza, RSV, a number of coronaviruses, parainfluenza viruses, adenovirus, and several others, including mycoplasma pneumoniae. After two clear chest x-rays ruled out pneumonia, I eventually received a positive result for rhinovirus. The doctors suspected a combination of a bacterial infection alongside the rhinovirus. Although I underwent multiple rounds of antibiotics during this time, none provided a sustainable solution. The hospital managed to give me intravenous steroids and antibiotics that offered temporary relief, but my condition soon worsened again. The height of this health crisis spanned from mid-October to mid-December. It wasn’t until I returned home for the holidays and allowed myself 12-15 hours of sleep daily that I began to recover. It took an additional six months to regain my lost weight, though thankfully, the cough eventually subsided. With this new diagnosis of latent tuberculosis, I'm left wondering if it could have been the reason behind my earlier ordeal, or was it solely a severe case of rhinovirus? I reviewed my medical history and noticed TB testing hadn’t been conducted. Is it possible for TB to shift from an active state to a latent one? Can a person's immune system conquer an active infection? For context, I've only traveled abroad once in the past seven years, which was to Europe within the last three months. Additional note: I still have my tonsils intact.
Answers (1)
8/15/2025, 6:51:31 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to have concerns about the implications of your recent tuberculosis (TB) diagnosis, especially in light of your past health struggles. Here’s a breakdown addressing your questions and offering guidance moving forward.
Main Points
- You have a positive TB diagnosis but without current symptoms.
- Your past severe illness could be separate from TB, as it primarily involved a rhinovirus and possibly a bacterial infection.
- Latent TB does not typically cause active symptoms.
- Your immune system can control some infections over time, but active TB requires treatment.
Explanation
Latent TB means that while the bacteria are present in your body, they are inactive and not causing illness. It’s different from active TB, where symptoms are apparent and spread is possible. Based on your description, the severe illness you experienced two years ago, with the cough and significant weight loss, seems more aligned with a viral infection (like rhinovirus) rather than TB since TB usually has a longer incubation period and chronic symptoms.
It is rare, but under certain circumstances, a person's immune system can control an active TB infection, allowing it to become latent; however, reactivation can still occur, especially if the immune system weakens.
Next Steps
- Chest X-ray: Have your scheduled chest X-ray. This is crucial for determining if there are any signs of active TB.
- Follow-Up Testing: Depending on the X-ray results, further tests may be needed, such as a sputum test to detect TB bacteria.
- Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a close watch on any changes in your health. If you develop symptoms like a persistent cough, fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss, you should report these immediately.
- Healthy Lifestyle: Focus on maintaining a strong immune system through a balanced diet, sufficient rest, and regular exercise. Avoid heavy drinking, as you've noted sensitivity to alcohol.
- Emotional Support: Consider reaching out to friends or support groups, especially since isolation can affect mental health, especially after your past experiences.
Your situation is complex and understandably concerning. I’m here if you have more questions or need clarification on any points.
Related Questions
Seeking Clarity on a Pediatric Surgical Experience
One of my earliest recollections involves surgical gauze wrapped around my genitals and being cautioned to exercise caution regarding my circumcision. This incident dates back to around 1972, when I was roughly three years old. My brother, who was eleven at the time, corroborates this memory and recalls that the bandage remained in place for "a few weeks." His recollection is a bit unclear, but he does remember seeing me running around without pants and with a gauze dressing. He believes the dressing wasn't overly bulky and doesn't recall any stent being used. However, I am aware that his memory may not be completely accurate based on other conversations we've had. He recalls being informed that I underwent surgery for an undescended testicle, yet was never made aware of a circumcision being involved. Later, a physician indirectly confirmed that I had undergone an early orchidopexy. This memory piques my curiosity, particularly since my parents have never brought it up with me. I have knowledge of having glanular/coronal hypospadias, and the details of my situation appear to align with images I’ve encountered depicting partial hypospadias corrections. This leads me to wonder if my circumcision might have actually been related to hypospadias surgery. Unfortunately, any tangible proof of these events was lost when I underwent gender confirmation surgery as a trans woman three decades ago. It's conceivable that the standard circumcision procedure typically performed at birth could have been postponed, given that I was born slightly premature and had significant Rh disease and hypoxia. But could it have been deferred until I reached the age of three? I have made attempts to obtain my medical records, but unfortunately, they have been destroyed over the years. While I understand that definitive answers may be elusive, I would greatly appreciate any insights or thoughts on this matter.
Concerns About Potential Peripheral Artery Disease (PAD)
For the past three to four years, I have been dealing with a persistent numbness in my left foot. Initially, I suspected it might be due to a pinched nerve or perhaps something similar, but the sensation has never completely returned. As time has gone by, I've encountered additional worrying symptoms: - My feet have started to develop a purple hue, particularly evident when I sit in positions that put pressure on my legs or when I take a shower. This discoloration has become one of the most alarming signs of my condition. - The growth of my toenails has slowed considerably, and they now appear uneven and ridged. - Additionally, my feet have a temperature that feels significantly colder than the rest of my body, and they no longer grow hair as they once did. I do not smoke and I’m not diabetic; however, I have high cholesterol and received an elevated result on a lipoprotein test. The prospect of PAD is frightening to me, as it seems synonymous with a grim future. I have been referred to a cardiologist, but they are reluctant to conduct an Ankle-Brachial Index (ABI) test since I am under 35. I want to remain hopeful and believe I don't have PAD, yet I struggle to identify any other plausible explanations for these symptoms. What could be potential alternatives to consider, if any exist?
Unexplained Left Chest Pain, Electric-Like Jabs in Lower Back, and Unusual Headaches
Hi there, I’m a 15-year-old experiencing some peculiar health issues lately. A visit to my doctor led to a diagnosis of anxiety and poor posture after I complained about headaches and strange, electric sensations rising through my head. However, after that appointment, I became aware of pain in my heart and strange discomfort in my left chest accompanied by difficulty breathing. Initially, I thought these symptoms aligned with anxiety, but they persisted long enough to cause concern. To rule out any serious conditions, I underwent a blood test, which fortunately came back normal. Despite the positive results, I continued to feel unusual pains in my heart region and a peculiar ache in my lower abdomen. The doctor had previously mentioned my poor posture and identified an issue with my occipital nerve, which I’ve somewhat addressed. Now, though, I find myself having intermittent back pain and brief discomfort just beneath my left lung. These pains are indeed strange; they don’t always last long, sometimes just fading after five seconds or they might stick around for several minutes. I tend to spend a lot of time in bed and don’t often leave the house, yet when I do, these pains still occur. Thankfully, they aren’t debilitating, but I can't help but feel anxious thinking something might be significantly wrong with my health. It’s unsettling and I’d prefer not to dwell on such thoughts. To summarize: I experience chest pain in my lower left quadrant, specifically near my lung, alongside a mild but uncomfortable sensation that waxes and wanes. Additionally, I suffer from headaches located on the upper left side of my head. I apologize for any grammatical errors as I used voice-to-text for this message. Another detail that might be relevant is that I have recently quit vaping, now almost 22 days ago, and I wonder if this could be part of the recovery process.
Expectorated Large Tissue with Blood
At 28 years old, I experienced a fever the previous night, after which I had no other cold symptoms. To my surprise, today I coughed just once and expelled a significant piece of tissue mixed with blood. Following this alarming incident, I sought medical attention at an urgent care facility because I developed a headache immediately afterward and felt a peculiar "butterfly" sensation in my chest. The healthcare professionals did not conduct any laboratory tests or imaging studies, instead opting to prescribe antibiotics for what they suspected might be an infection. Is this an appropriate response to my situation? This is quite concerning.
Concerns About Potential Misdiagnosis
Hello everyone, I recently stumbled upon this subreddit and felt it would be the ideal platform to share my experience. I initially posted something similar under r/Asthma but soon realized that this community might be more appropriate for my concerns. To provide some context, I’m a 25-year-old woman with no personal history of smoking, although I have been heavily exposed to secondhand smoke throughout my life. There is a family history of asthma and COPD on my side. I was diagnosed with asthma during childhood but seemed to outgrow it as I got older. Throughout my younger years, I frequently battled respiratory and sinus infections, and in my teenage years, I suffered a severe case of walking pneumonia. Following that episode, my breathing worsened significantly, prompting my doctor to reinstate the asthma diagnosis and prescribe albuterol inhalers without performing any additional tests except for an X-ray to confirm the pneumonia had resolved. Over the years, I’ve noticed a gradual worsening of my symptoms. Each primary care physician I've consulted has prescribed various inhalers and medications, but the relief they provide has been minimal. For years, I have dealt with a persistent dry cough described as that of a seasoned smoker, yet my doctors continuously assured me it was merely asthma, claiming that my inhalers would alleviate it. When a coughing fit does occur, it can be so intense that I end up gagging, losing control of my bladder, and feeling dizzy. Fast forward to two weeks ago: my cough intensifies with physical activity, and I have a physically demanding job. Typically, my inhaler assists me with breathing, but in this instance, it was ineffective, and emergency services were called to administer oxygen. My oxygen saturation dropped to 93% until the oxygen and my rescue inhaler were applied. I declined hospitalization after feeling better with the oxygen. I took a day off work to recuperate. I managed to see my primary care doctor afterward. Having been on Advair and albuterol for years, I was also prescribed Singulair last year due to flare-ups. In my recent visit, my doctor substituted my Ventolin (albuterol) with Airsupra and introduced Spiriva, along with short courses of Mucinex and Prednisone. At the appointment, my lungs sounded clear, and my oxygen levels were between 99-100%. There was no wheezing, just persistent coughing. Returning to work the following Thursday proved challenging; within three hours, I experienced another severe coughing episode that felt as if my throat might rupture. I was gagging, tearing up, and struggling to remain upright, feeling dizzy and breathless. Several doses of my rescue inhaler provided little relief, and emergency services were contacted again; I was subsequently transported to the emergency room. My oxygen saturation was stable at 97-100%, yet I continued to feel breathless and my painful coughing persisted. Respiratory treatments seemed to exacerbate the coughing, and magnesium failed to provide relief. Both the paramedics and ER staff expressed concern when I mentioned my chronic cough that had persisted for years without improvement. Initially, emergency responders detected only a faint wheeze and diminished lung sounds on one side, although they later reported normal findings. No fluid or wheezing was noted, just continued coughing. CT scans and X-rays of my throat and chest returned normal results. After three days in the hospital, my lactic acid and CO2 levels returned to normal. Despite being treated with steroids and cough suppressants, I found no alleviation of my symptoms. I have now received urgent referrals to a pulmonologist, an ENT specialist, and an allergist, and I recently followed up with my primary care physician. Her only recommendation was cough drops and to wait for my upcoming Pulmonary Function Test (PFT). Additionally, the hospital prescribed Pantoprazole for potential GERD, which hasn't significantly helped. My follow-up blood tests revealed that while my CO2 levels improved, they still remain low, and there are no current indications of an autoimmune disorder, though I am awaiting several results. After undergoing the Pulmonary Function Test, the findings were unusual. Though I await an appointment with the pulmonologist, I reviewed the notes from my test. They indicated, "Spirometry is normal. Lung volumes demonstrate hyperinflation and air trapping. Diffusing capacity is normal. No substantial bronchodilator response observed." When I inquired with the technician who administered the test, she mentioned two possibilities: either my lungs weren't inflamed enough to demonstrate a response, which seemed unlikely considering my extensive coughing fits, or the underlying issue might be irreparable with medications. This situation has left me anxious that I may be dealing with more than just severe asthma. For years, I communicated to my doctors that my condition seems to deteriorate, and that none of the prescribed medications eased my cough, yet they continuously reassured me that it was manageable. Now, after being hospitalized, I recognize the critical need to take this seriously. I rarely experience wheezing or fluid but instead contend with a persistent cough similar to that of a long-term smoker. My cough worsens with movement, eating, drinking, taking deep breaths, lying down, waking up, laughing, excessive talking, exposure to extreme temperatures, dry or humid air, stress, and irritants such as dust, smoke, and potent odors. It feels like merely existing prompts my coughing. Although I always have a cough, the triggers mentioned intensify it. I frequently feel congestion in my throat and chest, accompanied by a tight and painful sensation. I have the incessant urge to clear out whatever feels obstructive, but nothing ever emerges. My coughing often leads to dizziness and incontinence. If I'm not actively coughing, I seem to be clearing my throat repeatedly to manage the mucus. During any illness, my cough tends to worsen, resulting in the need for prednisone. Antihistamines provide partial relief solely for nasal symptoms, without helping my throat and chest. When my rescue inhaler does work, its effectiveness lasts only for a short time before I revert to my previous condition. My lungs may feel momentarily unobstructed thanks to the albuterol, but the coughing inevitably returns until my chest aches again. An ER doctor suggested possible diagnoses of Chronic Rhinosinusitis, Post-Nasal Drip, or GERD; however, medications for allergies and acid reflux have not meaningfully addressed my coughing or breathlessness. It does not seem connected to my sinuses but rather feels like my airways are obstructed, hindering deep breaths. Until I meet with the pulmonologist, my best hypothesis has been Cough-Variant Asthma, but given the lack of response to bronchodilators in my PFT, my confidence in that is wavering. In reviewing my results, I cannot help but consider the early stages of COPD or emphysema, especially since my breathing seems to worsen over time, although my age typically mitigates those concerns given my extensive exposure. I've ordered a test for Alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency from AlphaID to discuss with my pulmonologist just in case. I am certain I have asthma, but I’m beginning to suspect that there may be additional complications involved. For years, my primary care provider dismissed my concerns, despite my insistence that something felt off. It wasn’t until I required EMS intervention that she finally began the referral process to specialists. I find myself in a state of confusion and unease. Has anyone here experienced anything resembling my situation? I'm looking forward to consulting with the pulmonologist about my test results in the coming week or two, but I’m apprehensive that they will simply dismiss my concerns like previous practitioners have done.