Connect
← Return to Sputum Culture- What does AFB Smear Positive mean?
Discussion
Sputum Culture- What does AFB Smear Positive mean?
MAC & Bronchiectasis | Last Active: Jun 23 6:32am | Replies (34)Comment receiving replies
@sueinmn I have mycobacterium abscesses in my sinuses. I had sinus surgery to correct chronic sinusitis. I did not have an AFB test prior to surgery. The doctor did one now because I'm 8 months post surgery and my sinuses are still infected. I'm also wheezing as this seems to be affecting my chest. I brought up this concern to my doctor and they ordered a chest CT with contrast. That came back normal. It seems as if the doctor has ruled out the infection in my lung just by the CT results. However, the more I read, I hear that a sputum test is needed to diagnose this in the lungs. Could I have this in my lungs but have a normal CT? Also, as I wait for doctors to determine the best treatment, I have also found out that my ferritin level has dropped to below the norm (36). Back tracking here, but I had ferritin infusions 4 years ago, as well as a uterine ablation to stop that bleeding and a colonoscopy to rule out internal bleeding. So I have not been losing blood over the past 4 years, and yet my ferritin is down to 36. Can this infection rob your body of stored iron? Could I have had this in my body for several years? I've been struggling with overall malaise, sinus pain, pain in joints, migraines, exhaustion, wheezing, etc, for many years now. Please provide any insight you may have.
Replies to "@sueinmn I have mycobacterium abscesses in my sinuses. I had sinus surgery to correct chronic sinusitis...."
@margiel17 I don't have any insight on my own, but persistent or recurring infections in any part of the body really suggest that a referral to an infectious disease doc might be a good next step. Have you seen one?
@margiel17 Yes, chronic infection makes my ferritin level and iron level low. They said it is not a good idea to take iron pills as it helps make bacterial biofilms stronger 🙁
@margiel17
Are you on any antibiotics for the sinus troubles?
The CT and sputum tests measure differently: "a CT scan shows the presence and severity of an infection, while a sputum sample identifies the specific germ causing it."
I read online that ferritin levels can drop with inflammation and the work of the immune system.
I hope this is helpful,
Mokie
Connect
@margiel17 I have the bacteria Pseudomonas in my system . For the past year and half I’ve had several different infections ….UTI, sinus infections , lung infections ,eye infections ..was treated at different times with IV antibiotics . I just brought up a sputum last month from the lungs which came back as Pseudomonas colonized . However asymptomatic so Drs choose not to treat . However they have referred me back to the Infectious Disease Dr to see if there is a way to treat and irradiate the Psuedomonas !
I’m scheduled for a CT Scan Monday so they can see my lungs from bringing up the sputum ! Then scheduled for a sinus CT scan …Will keep you posted with important information !