Another CT Scan ?

[V_92]

Hi All,

I made a recent post about investigation currently ongoing into Asthma.

I've had a CT scan two years ago - which said I had an infection and something called tree in buds came up. CT scan kept coming up because because my X-rays/bloods kept coming back as normal - but because I coughed up bloody mucus they wanted to have deeper look.

I've recently gone back to see a respiratory consultant I saw two years because I coughed up some blood one evening recently. At the time when it happened, I went to A&E, had an X-ray which looked normal. A&E Doctor said it's likely to be a viral infection as lungs sounded okay.

Saw the respiratory doctor after this (last week) and he examined me. He said everything looks/sounds fine. I done some spirometry/ FeNO tests private - which came back clear, but he was asking me to consider another CT scan. I've been told I'm asthmatic.

I'm a little nervous about this given I am 30 and the radiation exposure from CT scans. Given the coughing as pretty much stopped - I still cough up abit of mucus but this is mainly because it's stuck at the back of my throat all the time, so really I'm forcing it out as opposed to coughing, but it's maybe once or thrice a day.

Any advice on here on what to do ? The radiation exposure worries me and also the fact I'm 30, which means I would have had two CT scans. I'm of course worried about the radiation increasing my risk to cancer in the future. Appreciate it's the here and now to think about but he told me to go away and think about it as he didn't want to force me.

I appreciate the risk is very small like 0.00001 or something but it's still worrying. Any advice would be appreciated.

[Homely2]

Life is about balancing risk. So you should not have needless scans or medicines. However if the respiratory doctor says that it is necessary, then normally you would think it worth it. That is his job to balance the risks.

I have had ct scans when told to by a doctor as I considered that for me the balance of risks made it sensible.

I did not have a mri scan when recommended as I thought the physio was taking the easy option for him, and I solved the issue with a good exercise programme.

However the ct scans were to check heart issues, where the risks of failing to pick up an issue are high, while the mri scan was just to check a dodgy leg.

[Ergendl]

I was told by a doctor in 1978 to warn other doctors I had reached the limit of diagnostic x-rays on my right leg following a road accident in 1977 which left me in hospital for 4 months and in a full leg caliper for another 3 months. When I reported this to a consultant in another hospital I had gone to for a second opinion about the after care, he told me there was no alternative, so I had that x-ray too. No problems yet with over-exposure to x-rays.

[CDPO16]

I am much older than you but have had 3 ct scans and numerous chest x rays. So far no adverse problems. I don't think that doctors ask for unnecessary tests.

[V_92 in reply to CDPO16]

Thanks the concern is because it's a CT scan again on the lungs. Lungs are organs where cells divide and multiple quicker as opposed to other organs, and so this worries me. I would think they're more vulnerable to radiation as opposed to other areas of the body.

I'm trying to work out if there are other diagnostic tools that can be used to get a better understanding of my lungs. The Consultant said there's not but I'm not sure if I speak to another consultant and get advice. I had a CT scan done two years ago, my symptoms haven't really changed since - hence why I find it strange to do another scan.

Worries me too that medical world doesn't have any other alternative. Surely there must be.

[CDPO16 in reply to V_92]

There isn't an alternative to a ct scan and they provide a consultant with excellent information of the condition of a persons lungs. The choice is yours whether to have it done or not.

[Karenanne61]

I appreciate your concerns but I'm grateful for the many ct scans and mri scans I've had. One I had picked up, purely incidentally, two massive tumours in my uterus. They were dealt with swiftly! ( My most recent , again incidentally, a cyst on my liver - letter only received today so no chance to do anything yet!) Everything we do has to be assessed and the risk/benefit considered. I don't think medics would request them wily nily, apart from the risk there is the cost! However, it's your choice and we must respect that.

[V_92 in reply to Karenanne61]

Ah thank you. I guess I was also hesitant too because the Respiratory consultant also has said there isn't anything to worry about. He listened to my lungs and heart and said they sounded fine and also the X-ray I had couple weeks prior was clear.

It's just I'm abit puzzled because he says everything is fine but he still said to maybe consider a scan. Generally I'm well and don't really get much chest issues. Given my last scan was two years ago

I think it's also because I'm convinced my symptoms are more so to do with my sinus/nose (where I feel the most congestion), as opposed to my chest. I generally always feel like I'm clearing my throat all the time.

I've just seen his note and he said he wanted to rule out any subtle bronchiectasis but saw my scan two years ago and ruled it out then. Makes me wonder why it's different this time ? Given he says everything seems healthy.

[Karenanne61 in reply to V_92]

As you say, maybe explore other avenues, e.g. the sinus/nose before re considering the scan. I queried a diagnosis of bronchiectasis that kept appearing and disappearing on my list. The consultant said much depends on the scan reader's interpretation! This latest letter actually states "evidence of bronchiectasis " so I'll see what the consultant says this time! It must be very confusing for you if you feel generally well.

[Patk1 in reply to V_92]

Have u tried a decongestant for nose/sinuses? They're really gd.there r treatments for cattarh too but decongestants may help that too

[V_92 in reply to Patk1]

Ah thanks ! Yes, I've been trying a nasal spray again. I think it's helping but maybe too early to tell as it's been a couple days. It's weird because I don't really cough, but I just always feel like I've got phlem/mucus trapped in my throat, so most of the time I'm just throat clearing. Strangely I only notice it when I think about it too haha.

[Patk1 in reply to V_92]

I take decongestant pill like sudafed,may be worth trying an Oct antihistamine too.sunds like catarrh

[knitter]

Would that be a private CT scan or NHS ?

Your X-ray is ok ?

At one time my asthma was so unstable I had multiple visits to A and E …and was xrayed a lot . I asked if I could refuse so many X-rays as I was worried . Only one doctor got a bit ‘ shirty ‘ but others were OK with my decision.

I can understand your worry.

maybe ring the ALUK helpline and have a chat .

Open for UK residents during working hours on 0300 222 5800.

[V_92 in reply to knitter]

Ah yes, will consider giving them a call. If I was older, I wouldn't worry so much about having the scans but I guess my age is what concerns me. The younger you are the more at risk you are.

[Caspiana]

Hello V_92. It is a worry I sometimes worry about this too. I have x-rays every five weeks and CT scans twice to four times a year. I am a lung transplant recipient and since my transplant and since I have been ill with lung disease seven years ago, I have had hundreds of CT , x-rays and lung perfusion scans. Although I wish I didn't have to, it is the only way for them to find anything that needs treating. For me, it would show if I am rejecting the donated lung. Without it I could go downhill very quickly.

I would imagine having something untoward going on in your lungs is more worrying than two CT scans. If they feel it is necessary I would say do it. Best wishes to you. 🙂👋