If the sputum smear does not have acid-fast bacilli and erythrocyte sedimentation rate 4, is it tuberculosis?

The absence of acid-fast bacilli on sputum smear and a normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate do not completely rule out tuberculosis. Because the diagnosis of pulmonary tuberculosis needs to be combined with the patient's clinical manifestations, imaging examinations and other comprehensive judgments.

First, it may not be the case of tuberculosis

1. No acid-fast bacilli were found in the sputum: if the patient did not find acid-fast bacilli in the simple sputum smear, and the results of other examinations were negative, it may be due to the abnormal results caused by non-standard specimen collection or improper testing methods;

2. Normal erythrocyte sedimentation rate: Some pulmonary tuberculosis patients may have a rapid increase in erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the early stage of the disease, but with the development of the disease, the erythrocyte sedimentation rate will gradually return to normal.The results of a single erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) test alone cannot determine whether you have tuberculosis.

Second, it may be the case of tuberculosis

Although acid-fast bacilli were not found on sputum smear, if there are typical clinical symptoms, such as long-term low-grade fever, night sweats, cough, sputum production, hemoptysis, etc., accompanied by weight loss, loss of appetite and other symptoms, and chest X-ray or CT examination shows nodular shadows in the lungs, it is considered that there may be a high possibility of pulmonary tuberculosis. Further tests such as PPD testing and γ-interferon release assay are recommended to confirm the diagnosis.

In daily life, it is necessary to pay attention to personal protective measures and avoid sharing daily items with others to avoid infection. Pay attention to the balanced intake of nutrients in the diet, and eat more protein-rich foods, such as eggs, milk, etc., which is conducive to enhancing physical fitness.