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Ground Glass - Scared

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

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@sueinmn

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

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Replies to "What is a ground glass opacity? Those docs sure know how to scare a person! This..."

I just got a message from the hospital I had the CT scan. It said I am automatically enrolled in the incidental lung nodule program. I am freaking out now.

I had a lung ct scan because i was a former smoker-saved by the scan program--bottom of lungs had ground glass opacity, they said it could be pneumonia or covid--tested positive for covid, thought i just had a cold, 3 months later scan was redone, covid gone, scan clear no problems--so maybe something like this is an issue for you. best wishes, John.

I was diagnosed with ground glass opacity in left upper lobe. My followup changed from a year to 3 months! I have 5 lung nodules under 6 cm.
I'm a little scared. I had acute bronchitis during CT scan last week.

My daughter tells me all the time not to look. I can scare myself. I had car accident 2019. Left lung damaged and broken ribs. Left lung quit working. Right lung over worked. Both lungs are bad. I have ground glass Left lung since. Doc says not to worry. Too many other problems but not the ground glass. You can do a lot of reading but you can't fix it. Another thing to live with.