Possible TB?

Specialties Pulmonary

Published

Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

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.

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Specializes in Oncology/Haemetology/HIV.

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.

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Specializes in 5 yrs OR, ASU Pre-Op 2 yr. ER.

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

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Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

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?

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
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)

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Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

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

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Specializes in PeriOp, ICU, PICU, NICU.
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. :balloons:

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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

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Specializes in LTC, Subacute Rehab.

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

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