chest xray

[Pitt12345]

I have mild Bronchiectasis confirmed by ct . I had chest X-ray after attending BX clinic and received a report saying X-ray satisfactory. What does that mean -!

[peege]

hi, as bronchiectasis doesn't show on on an Xray I guess it simply means that there's no infection, pneumona or damage showing. .....please anyone correct me if I'm wrong (brain fog & unwell at the mo) but I think bronchiectasis only shows on a CT scan & not ordinary xray. P

ps I had loads of xrays over a couple of years of trying to get a diagnosis which all reported clear, when I saw the CT scan the consultant pointed out all the damage from previous pneumonia, infections & whatever else accumulated over the years. It was a real eye opener.

[eleanordigby in reply to peege]

You’re quite right, peege, bronchiectasis doesn’t show up on an X-ray. But X-rays can be useful as they reveal evidence of any severe infection (but not low level ones). Sorry to read you’re not well! This freezing weather doesn’t help. Hope you pick up soon 😘

[Hidden]

It probably means that there is nothing there other than would be expected with bronch which you have been diagnosed with. Lung damage shows up on xrays but the ct scan is needed to look deep into the lung tissue to distinguish the bronchiectasis type of lung damage. My xrays clearly show where my patches of long term bronch are but reports come back as normal (for me). If my con is concerned that anything has changed she orders another ct.I hope that helped to sort things out a bit.

[Pitt12345 in reply to Hidden]

Thanks. I suppose because this is first time seeing a consultant she is probably getting a base line for if I need to go back. It was just seeing ‘Satisfactory’ that unsettled me. She has said I might never have known about BX if it hadn’t been an incidental finding on a ct if different area. I can refer myself back to her if I need to within a year. She is also requesting lung function tests which again I suppose are to compare if needed. Just told drs to prescribe 2 weeks doxycycline if I get infection. I have no real symptoms. Can walk easily . Thanks again

[Hidden]

It would be a good idea for you to keep yourself under her care. Your bronch is obviously very mild which is why it hasn't been diagnosed for so long but we all need the ongoing care of a bronch specialist for times when it plays up. GPs and general resiratory consultants simply don't know enough about it. I hope that you go along ok. We are here if you need us.

[BronchyBronwen]

Have same as you, diagnosed about 9 years ago. I can't improve on the advice already given by our bronch friends above, except to advise you to walk and sing as often as possible, both brilliant for mild bronchiectasis, I find.