Hello Dr. Parks,
Thank You for your reply!
We were walking past him (outside) when he started coughing in our direction. He was probably a good 6 or 7 feet away but we saw the smoke cloud from the cigarette he was inhaling billow in front of us, which is why we're worried...
Never had a chest XRay after completing the INH treatment. The INH therapy was administered by the local county health department and they have a reputation for providing basic services, nothing more. Since the reply on here did not arrive right away, I took the initiative to call the county health department and notify them of what happened. I spoke directly to the nurse who administered my INH treatment. She told me not to worry too much and that the man probably just had a smoker's cough. I asked her specifically if I should be seen by them again and she said "no, you're okay."
In addition, I also called my Asthma specialist who I see on a regular basis and asked for her opinion on the matter. She told me that the INH therapy had long-lasting effects and that it was not something I should worry about.
Hello,
It is always possible that you could be re-exposed to Tuberculosis.
Could you provide a bit more detail about the individual that you encountered?
1. How close were you to the man who coughed? (feet, inches?)
2. How long were you near him? Were you sitting next to him on a bus or a airplane or did you walk past him?
3. Did you ever have a chest x-ray before or after your last course of INH? If so, what were the results?
~ Dr. Parks
This answer provided to you is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice. The information presented in this Medhelp.org posting is for patients’ education only. As always, I encourage you to see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
I also want to add that I'm on a corticosteroid (beclomethasone 80mg, 1 puff, 2x daily) for asthma treatment, if that makes a difference?