What is left lower lobe subsegmental atelectasis versus fibrosis? Is this a cause of tuberculosis, how can this be cure, please let me know because I am going to have medical and chest xray is included in order to pass the medical health for Residence Visa in Australia, thank you .
Thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. Atelectasis and fibrosis are two different things. Atelectesis is partial collapse. While fibrosis is dead tissue, seen after healing. And both can be seen after TB infection. When atelectasis involves terminal bronchioles, it is known as subsegment atelectasis. And the most common cause for this is retained secretions. So for visa purpose, I advise you to consult pulmonologist and get done CT THORAX and Bronchoscopy and BAD (Bronchi Alveolar Lavage) analysis for TB. As both will be needed to rule out active TB infection.