Check what diseases are related to shadows in the lungs

Shadows in the lungs can usually be detected through examination. Generally speaking, shadows in the lungs may be caused by lung diseases. Many people want to know what diseases are related to shadows found in lung examinations. The shadow may usually be caused by lung infection.

1. Pneumonia: It is a lung infection caused by pathogenic microorganisms (bacteria, mycoplasma, chlamydia, viruses, etc.). In addition to lung shadows on X-ray examinations, patients also have symptoms such as cough, sputum, fever, chest tightness, fatigue, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, infectious toxic shock may even occur. The most common pathogenic microorganisms are bacteria. The shadows often appear in flakes on chest X-rays. In severe cases, the entire lung lobe may be affected. A routine blood test can reveal a significantly increased white blood cell count. After anti-inflammatory treatment with antibiotics, a review of the chest X-ray can reveal that the lung shadows have been significantly reduced or even completely disappeared. Generally, the patient will recover after 2 weeks of treatment.

2. Bronchiectasis: It is the enlargement of the bronchial lumen caused by purulent infection of the bronchial wall, which is an irreversible infection. Chest X-rays show increased, thickened, and disordered lung texture. Severe bronchiectasis may appear as small, beaded translucent areas with typical honeycomb-like shadows. Common symptoms are long-term coughing up purulent sputum and coughing up blood. In the past, iodized bronchial oil contrast was the gold standard for diagnosing bronchiectasis. Currently, spiral CT can reconstruct bronchial morphology without any trauma, and has basically replaced iodized bronchial oil contrast. If the lesions are limited to 1-2 lung lobes and the general condition is good, surgical treatment should be actively performed; however, if the lesions are extensive on both sides, surgery is not recommended.

3. Pulmonary aspergillosis: It is a fungal infection of the lungs, also known as the saprophytic Aspergillus fumigatus infection, which manifests as isolated or multiple spherical lesions in the lungs with typical "crescent-like translucent areas" inside. The position of the crescent-like translucent areas changes with changes in body position. Most patients have no systemic symptoms, but a few may have hemoptysis and cough. The best treatment is surgical resection. The author once encountered a case of pulmonary echinococcosis complicated by pulmonary aspergillosis after surgery.