Latent / inactive TB.

[5coot63]

Iam 53 y.o. Female.and have recently had a chest xray which it was reported there were signs of scarring probably due to exposure to TB. The xray was ordered as part of another issue I have , hypothyroidism.

As a child I always tesed positive with the Mantoux test but not enough to exclude me from vaccination.

I am concerned as this is the first time it has ever been reported to me , I have had several xrays over my life time as it was a health check done in connection with my job.

Does this mean I have the potential to develop TB?

It also puzzles me as to where i may have been exposed as I never knew anyone with the disease.I was however brought up on a dairy farm, and we consumed raw milk.

Should I seek treatment?

[Bevvy]

From what you have written I wouldn't worry about it! Scarring means that infection (if there was one) has now gone. You said they think TB but not definite that was what it was.

They can't give treatment for something that no longer there. You have no more chance of developing TB now than anyone else.

Interesting point about the milk you drank.

[2greys]

I don't think you have anything to worry about either.

Your post has awakened childhood memories of raw milk and a few pennies have just dropped about my "Atypical Chest pain" and being asked "have you ever had TB in the past?". I just wonder.........I'll mention it once I get back on the merry go round of appointments.

[mrsmummy]

If you are at all worried you should check with your GP, who will have your medical history to hand.

[jenss]

Hi, the idea that bovine TB can pass to humans through raw milk appears a myth as there is not one documented case of such an infection in humans. Also, if one had a past TB infection the virus is encapsulated (and inactive) within the scar tissues (of the lungs). It could possibly get reactivated if the immune system drops for example in old age but it is only a possibility.

Many people can have the TB without knowing it or only show very mild symptoms that are thought to be common cold/flu. So you may have been exposed to TB as a child but also keep in mind that radiology only provides visual information and the scars may be result of infection with another virus. So as suggested above, I would not worry about it unless you feel ill or have symptoms such as short of breath, continued cough etc. Many people have minor lung scarring due to repeated infections and other exposures and they never know about it and never have problems b/c of it.

Best wishes

[joyce74]

I was found to have scarring over 6 years ago after being diagnosed with COPD. I told the consultant that I had to have an ex ray at about 10 years old after I had slept in the same bed as a lady my mums cousin who worked on farms in the land army who sadly died of TB at the age of 21. Wouldn't give it another thought now.

[katieoxo60]

Hi there my mum had this type of scarring as she did have TB in her young days but she lived to 97 years old without any further TB. Hope this info helps.