[29F] Mild cough with abnormal lung CT scan

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Patient Description

A 29-year-old female has been experiencing a mild cough for approximately a week and a half, which worsens with movement. The cough produces thin, sticky green mucus, but the amount has not changed since the onset. The patient reports fatigue but no other symptoms such as chest pain, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, or night sweats. There has been exposure to sick contacts. The patient has a history of SVT (diagnosed in December 2018), asthma (diagnosed in March 2005), anxiety, and depression (both diagnosed in March 2012), but no history of tobacco use. Current medications include Diltiazem 120mg once daily, Protonix 40mg once daily, and Zyrtec 40mg once daily. The patient has allergies to several medications but did not specify which ones. An abnormal CT scan has indicated a possible mass on the lung, raising concerns that need further medical evaluation.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on your symptoms and medical history, the following conditions could be possible:

  • Bronchitis: This is an inflammation of the lining of your bronchial tubes, which carry air to and from your lungs. People with bronchitis often cough up thickened mucus, which can be discolored. Bronchitis may be either acute or chronic.

    • Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and in some cases, antibiotics or medications to help with coughing.

  • Pneumonia: This is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics, rest, and fluids.

  • Lung Mass: A lung mass is an abnormal spot or area in or on the lung. It's often discovered during a CT scan. Lung masses can be benign (noncancerous) or malignant (cancerous). The symptoms and treatment can vary greatly depending on the cause.

    • Treatment can range from monitoring the mass to surgical removal, chemotherapy, or radiation therapy.

What you can do

  1. Consult a healthcare provider: Given the abnormal CT scan and the potential for a lung mass, it's important to consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. They can order additional tests and provide a more accurate diagnosis.

  2. Monitor your symptoms: Keep track of your cough, mucus, and any other symptoms. This information can be helpful for your healthcare provider.

  3. Rest and hydrate: Make sure to get plenty of rest and stay hydrated. This can help your body fight off any potential infections.

What you should look out for

  • If your cough worsens or you start to have difficulty breathing, seek immediate medical attention.
  • If you start to cough up blood or have chest pain, these could be signs of a more serious condition and you should seek immediate medical attention.

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate and helpful health information, I am an AI and not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare provider for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of bronchitis and how is it treated?

Common symptoms of bronchitis include a persistent cough that may produce mucus, fatigue, shortness of breath, slight fever and chills, and chest discomfort. Treatment typically involves rest, fluids, and possibly medications like cough suppressants or antibiotics if a bacterial infection is suspected.

How can I differentiate between bronchitis and pneumonia based on symptoms?

Bronchitis and pneumonia can have similar symptoms, such as a cough and mucus production. However, pneumonia often presents with more severe symptoms like high fever, chills, and difficulty breathing. A healthcare provider can perform tests, such as a chest X-ray, to differentiate between the two.

What does a lung mass on a CT scan indicate and what are the next steps?

A lung mass on a CT scan can indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from benign growths to malignant tumors. The next steps usually involve further diagnostic tests, such as a biopsy, to determine the nature of the mass and appropriate treatment options.

How can asthma affect my current symptoms and what precautions should I take?

Asthma can exacerbate respiratory symptoms like coughing and shortness of breath. It's important to manage asthma with prescribed medications and avoid triggers. Monitoring symptoms and consulting with a healthcare provider can help manage asthma effectively alongside other conditions.

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2 Comments

lexi#4038

8 mo ago

at this point it it sounds like a cold, allergies, or some other irritation like exercise-induced asthma. my sis had a big scare with a lung nodule that got worked up and turned out to be nothing. i know everyone is different but you are also young like her and the chance is low as i recall her doc saying... also what was specific abnormality on the scan?

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Anonymous#9690

8 mo ago

Doctor said it was pnemomia radiologist Said he couldn’t tell might just be mucous trapped in airway But said a lung mass couldn’t be out of the differential diagnosis To get repeat ct in 3 months Had chest x ray done a few weeks later and they compared it and said it was normal

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