Shadow on lung xray

[Autumn67]

Hi I had a bad chest infection in feb. I needed antibiotics and steroids. It did clear no coughing. but I've had repeated xray which are showing a small area of soft tissue shadowing in the lingear area of the left lung. I am going for a CT. I am worried.

[RoyCastleHelpline Partner Ask the Nurse Roy Castle]

Dear Autumn67

It is good that you have recovered from your chest infection and do not have any residual symptoms.

Any abnormality that shows up on any x-ray is not a diagnosis in itself but merits further investigation. It may be the small shadow is related to your previous chest infection and the CT scan will provide more detailed imaging in assessing this.

It can be difficult not to worry about any investigation, but what we would advise if you are looking at information on the internet to stay with evidence based sites that provide accurate information:

roycastle.org

blf.org.uk/ (the British Lung Foundation) helpline 03000 030 555

nhs.uk/

If you wish to discuss anything you can either email us at [e-mail] or call our freephone nurse led helpline number on 0800 358 7200

Kind regards

The Roy Castle Helpline

[Autumn67 in reply to RoyCastleHelpline]

Thank you for your advise.

[JeanE41]

It sounds as though your doctor is carefully following up on the xray findings. You have to take this one step at a time which is not easy. I speak from experience as someone who wants to know everything yesterday. I hope your cat scan results are good news. Jean