Medical Question: Chest X-ray

[Country Girl]

My dh had a chest x-ray done last week because he has been complaining of chronic chest/bronchial congestion. The x-ray was clear for fluid etc. so doc said it must just be a lingering virus. This morning the doctor's office called to say that the after the radiologist reviewed the x-rays, he and the doctor agreed that they saw old scar tissue on his lung. She emphasized that the tissue was old, nothing new. They want him to come back in 2 months for a repeat x-ray to check for stability. My first thoughts were that this is nothing, if it is old (as she emphasized) it must not be effecting him so nothing to worry about. However, as I think more about it..... if it is nothing why bother with a repeat x-ray? My husband is gone on a business trip and won't be back until this afternoon. After I tell him the news he may have more questions and we'll call the office back. But until then, I'm relying on you guys to calm my fears.

 

Thanks!

[Renee in NC]

Generally scar tissue will go away. It took my 15yo about 6 months to recover from a horrible 2 month bout with bronchitis.

[Country Girl]

Drama Queen,

Thanks for the reassurances! I needed to hear them!:001_smile:

[sarahli]

There can be old scar tissue with a previous TB infection. If that was the case, then a PPD test would also show positive. It is not contagious unless it is active.

[Country Girl]

Sarah,

 

Thanks for this info. He has never had TB before that we know of, but would we always be aware of an infection?