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Ground Glass - Scared

Lung Health | Last Active: Sep 25, 2023 | Replies (33)

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@scareddad46

How similar will your results? I also have a good friend who knows a top Encologist and he said you don’t need to worry at all. I am not sure what to believe. I haven’t gone anything done in the last two days

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Replies to "How similar will your results? I also have a good friend who knows a top Encologist..."

What is a ground glass opacity? Those docs sure know how to scare a person! This doesn't mean there is glass, or anything else sharp or abrasive in your lungs. On an x-ray or CT, it is an area in the lung where the tissue isn't clearly visible due to what my pcp calls a "debris field." Typically, in an otherwise healthy individual with a recent history of a lung infection, it is truly that - the remains of fluid, mucus and infection cells that has not completely cleared.

Why a six-month follow-up? The body takes several months to eliminate all the residue - some is coughed out but you may not even notice it, it is part of your typical daily breathing cycle. The rest is absorbed into the bloodstream and eliminated through body waste. A small residue may remain as scar tissue, depending n the severity of the infection.

What is the takeaway? Your docs are right - if you are otherwise healthy, this is nothing to worry about. It is just a temporary remnant of your lung infection.

What can you do? Repeated infections can lead to lung diseases later in life. You know you have sensitive lungs, so you need to protect them from further assaults. Remember those N-95 masks on the shelf since Covid subsided? Use them! When there are Air Quality alerts due to the smoke. When you are doing dusty tasks. When you are cleaning rain gutters or other wise dealing with possible mold. When you are sawing or sanding. When your are raking, blowing leaves and debris, even mowing... Yes, they are hot and annoying (but you can use the ones with a valve to make it easier to breathe.)

So now, relax, take a deep breath, mark 6 months on your calendar for the followup, and get on with your life. Stay away from Dr. Google, too.
Come on back if you have more questions.
Sue