Hi Doc, I was treated for TB about 5 years back...Now, from last 6 months I have a stabbing pain in my chest while deep breathing...I feel a heaviness on the left side of my chest...I dont have cough, nor loss of appetite or weight loss...infact the weight is growing...I did an xray about 5 months back and it was clear...What may be the cause? has the TB reappeared? I use to smoke which I have ceased and since then the pain has aggravated. What should I be doing?
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. I can understand your concern. In my opinion, you are mostly having post infectious bronchitis. Bronchitis is inflammation of airways. And it is common after lung infection like tuberculosis. You are also an active smoker. So possibility of bronchitis is more. Your symptoms like chest pain on breathing (pleuritic pain), heaviness in the chest etc. are commonly seen with bronchitis. So consult pulmonologist and get done clinical examination of respiratory system and PFT (pulmonary function test). PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis, but it will also tell you about severity of the disease and treatment is based on severity only. You will mostly improve with inhaled bronchodilator and inhaled corticosteroids (ICS). Don't worry, you will be alright. Hope I have solved your query. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.