Hello, I Had My 2nd X-ray After Being Diagnosed With

Posted on Sun, 5 Jul 2020

Question: Hello,
I had my 2nd X-ray after being diagnosed with pneumonia on 5/20. The doctor told me I have residual infiltrates and persistent airspace opacities. My prescribed me another round of antibiotics. Should I be concerned?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
No need to worry if your symptoms are improving.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on 'Ask A Doctor' forum.
I can understand your concern.

I have gone through the attached x-ray report.
Sometimes there is delayed improvement in x-ray as compare to symptoms.
So if you are improving in terms of symptoms like (no fever, cough, chest pain, breathlessness) then no need to worry for this residual infiltration and persistent airspace infiltrates.

They will mostly improve gradually with time.

May I know:
1. What were your symptoms at the time of pneumonia diagnosis?
2. Do you have any symptoms at present?

Please let me know the answers of the above-asked questions so that I can guide you better.

Wish you good health.
Thanks

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Hello Dr Bhavsar,

I was experiencing tightness in chest. I never had a fever. I had a dry cough but that comes and goes. All my vitals are good. My pulse oximeter reads 95 or above consistently. I actually feel fine. I’ve been exercising with no discomfort. I just want to know should I be concerned. I do sleep with a CPAP

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Are your CPAP pressures appropriate?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
As such no need to worry much about this.
Are your CPAP pressures adequate?
Since how long you are using CPAP?

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (2 days later)

My CPAP settings were auto set when I first received the machine. They haven’t been changed. I’ve been on the CPAP for 3 years. I’m not sure how to change the settings. Do I need to change my machine since I have been diagnosed with pneumonia. I have recently changed the mask, tubing and water chamber. Please advise. Thanks

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
If possible, get done repeat sleep study.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your follow up question on Ask a doctor forum.
I can understand your concern.
May I know when did you last undergo sleep study?
If possible get done fresh sleep study to know whether these pressure settings are still adequate and effective or not.
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj