Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Lung Hardening?
Question: my partner has been told that he has hardening of one lung. He has had a chest xray and spirometer test, but both were normal.. what to do next?
Brief Answer:
need more details
Detailed Answer:
Hello, thanks for posting your query to HCM.
I need few more details about the query so I can answer you in better way.
1. If chest x ray and spirometry was normal when was the diagnosis of lung hardening was made? Was it before x ray and on what basis?
2. Is the patient male or female?
3. Is the patient smoker from long time?
4. What are the complaints exactly? Symptoms?
5. Any known co-morbidities? Diabetes or hypertension?
It will be helpful if you could answer above questions in detail so I could guide you properly.
Awaiting your answers.
Thank you
need more details
Detailed Answer:
Hello, thanks for posting your query to HCM.
I need few more details about the query so I can answer you in better way.
1. If chest x ray and spirometry was normal when was the diagnosis of lung hardening was made? Was it before x ray and on what basis?
2. Is the patient male or female?
3. Is the patient smoker from long time?
4. What are the complaints exactly? Symptoms?
5. Any known co-morbidities? Diabetes or hypertension?
It will be helpful if you could answer above questions in detail so I could guide you properly.
Awaiting your answers.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Hello,
The patient is 47 year old male, long term smoker of both tobacco and cannabis.
there have been no symptoms, it was only at a pre-op for a shoulder operation, the doctor stated that there sounded like hardening of the lung and to follow up with his gp. He did this and the gp said the same thing and XXXXXXX was sent for an xray which was clear and a spirometer which he was told the reading was normal.
however, my concerns are that there is no further investigation.
should we just accept that?
The patient is 47 year old male, long term smoker of both tobacco and cannabis.
there have been no symptoms, it was only at a pre-op for a shoulder operation, the doctor stated that there sounded like hardening of the lung and to follow up with his gp. He did this and the gp said the same thing and XXXXXXX was sent for an xray which was clear and a spirometer which he was told the reading was normal.
however, my concerns are that there is no further investigation.
should we just accept that?
Brief Answer:
then do not worry. keep watch on symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thanks for following up with me with detailed answer.
So as per your answers I feel that he is symptomless and also investigation wise lungs look OK.
So the finding of lung hardening is a subjective findings of diffrent doctors. But chest x ray and spirometry was normal.
Also there is no symptom like cough or fever and other complaints of chest discomfort.
So I do not feel any more investigations are required and you do not to be worried about the same.
But ask him to stop smoking totally as it will definitely take a toll over the lungs.
If you want to be more assured and need to investigate further you can get a HRCT chest done to look for any other changes.
Or you can wait and watch. Keep a watch if he gets symptomatic and then you can investigate further as required.
I hope this clears your doubt.
If you have any questions kindly ask me back.
Thank you
then do not worry. keep watch on symptoms
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Thanks for following up with me with detailed answer.
So as per your answers I feel that he is symptomless and also investigation wise lungs look OK.
So the finding of lung hardening is a subjective findings of diffrent doctors. But chest x ray and spirometry was normal.
Also there is no symptom like cough or fever and other complaints of chest discomfort.
So I do not feel any more investigations are required and you do not to be worried about the same.
But ask him to stop smoking totally as it will definitely take a toll over the lungs.
If you want to be more assured and need to investigate further you can get a HRCT chest done to look for any other changes.
Or you can wait and watch. Keep a watch if he gets symptomatic and then you can investigate further as required.
I hope this clears your doubt.
If you have any questions kindly ask me back.
Thank you
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Deepak
he does have a cough, and i would say that its a small cough, that happens about 3 to 4 times an hour, but it sounds like a throat clearance but is definately a cough.
thank you.
thank you.
Brief Answer:
it could be smokers cough. or just viral
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Ok so cough is there but slight.
Usually it will be seen in smokers which is called as smokers cough.
Or it could be just viral because no fever is there. And also the x ray is clear as you told earlier.
Try with cough syrup containing dextromethorphan. He will feel relieved with it. Also steam inhalation will help.
Smoking stoppage is very important because it will not let the cough suppress.
Avoid oily food. Eat and drink hot food only. He should improve with this.
Hope it helps.
Thank you
it could be smokers cough. or just viral
Detailed Answer:
Hello. Ok so cough is there but slight.
Usually it will be seen in smokers which is called as smokers cough.
Or it could be just viral because no fever is there. And also the x ray is clear as you told earlier.
Try with cough syrup containing dextromethorphan. He will feel relieved with it. Also steam inhalation will help.
Smoking stoppage is very important because it will not let the cough suppress.
Avoid oily food. Eat and drink hot food only. He should improve with this.
Hope it helps.
Thank you
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Yogesh D
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
