Will pleural thickening worsen with age?

Question

Hi doctor,

One year ago, I had a massive left-sided pleural effusion with respiratory distress. Pigtail insertion was done and it was indicative of TB. Now, my ATT is stopped. After two months of treatment, my ultrasound report said that pleural thickening is seen along the left posterolateral chest wall. Now, I do not have any symptoms like chest pain, breathlessness, and cough. As I am fit and healthy, I have stopped the treatment. Will pleural thickening get worsen with age? Will the person in question face a higher risk of having lung disease in the future? Now my age is 21. Is pleural thickening reversible in my case? I would like to go abroad for a job. Will pleural thickening create any problems with my working visa? If yes, what can I do?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Please relax. You have probably healed your TB(tuberculosis) and there is nothing to worry about right now.

Pleural thickening has happened as a result of the effusion you had. It is a way of healing that the body does when effusion happens. It will not get worse with age and you will not get TB again. There are no higher chances of cancer also related to that. A large number of people suffer from this and it does not affect life in any way.

Thickening usually does not get reversed. It will remain there. The only problem which you might face in a visa interview is if they require your chest x-ray to be done and then thickening will be seen. Now, it is evident that they will get your other tests done to rule out active TB, which should come negative.

Certain countries bar people who have had TB. But, I do not think such policies are present in working visas. I would recommend you read the specific country website and also consult some agents about this before you fill out the medical declaration. Except for the visa, it will not cause any issues in your life.

Thank you.