Solitary Pulmonary Nodule

[Mave]

I had a chest CT scan last month as I had pneumonia since Dec.07. It began with a viral infection and turned into a bacterial lung infection. My family doctor casually mentioned that I also have a 3cm nodule on my right lung and it's no big deal to be concerned.

I'm quite concerned as my peak flow is way below my normal range (400) instead of (600) and I haven't improved even though the doctors put me on loads of antibotics, prednisone for 6 weeks, nebulizers with pulmacort etc., and I am still short of breath, become lightheaded and break out in low grade fevers that cause me to end up soaken wet several times aday.

I had coughed up blood, the color of the mucous was brown in the early stages back in Dec. with a horrible stench. I still feel dreadful after 3 long months.

Is it possible that the nodule may have something to do with my symptons? Should I have another chest CT scan? My family doctor has referred me to a respiratory specialist even though I have a pulmonary doctor for many years due to asthma and my lungs collapsing.

I look forward to your suggestions and comments.

[Davy9]

It sounds as though you have had some on going lung problems for some time. Your decreased peak flow could just be a consequence of that, or some acuity with your asthma. Have they conducted any studies on your sputum? For a protracted infection a culture and sensitivity would help isolate any treatable microorganisms. A sputum histology study is in order as well. A skin TB test should be done.

See the lung specialist and inquire specifically about your nodule. Is it located close by the site of your infection? What steps should be taken to clearly identify the nature of this nodule?

The situation sounds a bit dicy but you are taking to correct steps to manage it and that is very positive.

[Mave]

I had a bronchoscopy about 18 years ago when I had pneumonia and developed recurrent atelectasis, which I'm not sure what it means. The report stated I had thick, mucoid secretions throughout the bronchial tree and difficult to suction, with some prominent mucous pitting. It was a horrible experience I'll never, ever forget.

At that time they felt I may have had aspergillosis along with my asthma and the pneumonia.

I'm back to how I normally am not being able to cough anything up the past while even with taking expectorants. I don't know how I would manage to get a sputum sample.

Is the skin TB test common?

I see my doctor this afternoon and I'll ask the TB test, the nodule and studies conducted on the sputum. I wish they would have done it when I was coughing up so much phlegm.

Thank you so much!