[SaraO'Hara]

I have a friend (not me, thank goodness) who, lately, has been looking exceedingly tired, pale, coughing, and losing weight. She has a history of asthma. To give an idea of the weight loss - I've let her try on a couple of my corsets (side hobby apart from pre-RN studies), and her waist size (which I measured each time) has dropped 2.5" in a month, her being 5'7". I estimate this to be some 10 or 15 pounds. She reports normal eating and exercise habits.

The question is not whether or not I should be concerned, but if my concern lies in the right area.

Thank you.

[caroladybelle]

Has she been exposed to TB?

The symptoms that you describe, are indicative of hundreds/or thousands of disorders, many of which are more likely or more common than TB.

She needs to be seen by an MD.

[Marie_LPN]

I agree, this could be anything. Best to see a doctor.

[SaraO'Hara]

She hasn't been exposed that I know of. I know there was a TB scare with her grandmother several years ago but I believe it turned out to be pneumonia.

Yes, many things are more likely than TB - I've been told many times, in various places, to "think TB", because it's considered such a past thing that it can be missed.

Agreed that she needs to see a doctor, but I'm not sure how to best and tactfully suggest that to her parents, if at all (they have insurance).

Should I watch her closely, maybe see if she starts to look any sicker, loses more weight, looks feverish, et al?

[Jessy_RN]

Originally Posted by caroladybelle

Has she been exposed to TB?

The symptoms that you describe, are indicative of hundreds/or thousands of disorders, many of which are more likely or more common than TB.

She needs to be seen by an MD.

I agree, even diabetes comes to mind (because of the weightloss)

[SaraO'Hara]

Is diabetes likely if she was thin to begin with? She weighed about 125 last month.

[Jessy_RN]

Originally Posted by SaraO'Hara

Is diabetes likely if she was thin to begin with? She weighed about 125 last month.

Hope she seeks medical attention soon and finds an answer.

[hanpat13]

Sara,

First of all, she needs to see a doctor!!! I am a little 'ole BSN student in my last semester, so my authority on the subject is zilch. If I remember correctly, night sweats is/are the cardinal sign along with the others you mentioned.

Best of luck,

hanpat

[SaraO'Hara]

I'll attempt to tactfully advise her to see an MD. Thanks everybody.