How Does Infiltration Differ From Opacity As Per X-ray Reports?

Posted on Wed, 27 Sep 2017

Question: I have had bronchitis twice in the past 8 months. In XXXXXXX I had a check ex-ray that came back "subtle small infiltration". I took a round of antibiotics and steroids as my doctor said she thought I had a little pneumonia in that lung. I had a follow-up x-ray yesterday and it cam back "right middle lobe opacity". The doctor recommended I get a CT Scan. Needless to say, I am scared. What is the difference in an infiltration and an opacity?

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (43 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Opacity is very vague term.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
Opacity is very vague term.
Opacity term can be used for infiltration, consolidation, cyst, nodule, mass etc.
So practically, anything abnormal on chest x ray can be labeled as opacity.
But mass or dense infiltration on chest x ray is usually termed as opacity.
Infiltration means air sonogram. It is used only for pneumonia.
So CT scan is the answer of your all doubts.
Please let me know
1. Do you smoke?
I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad

Follow up: Dr. Drkaushal85 (42 minutes later)

I've been quit for 6 yrs but vaped (0% nicotine) up until I had bronchitis in May

Answered by Dr. Drkaushal85 (3 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
What are your symptoms?

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your question on Healthcare Magic.
I can understand your concern.
So you are at risk of lung diseases.
Please let me know
1. What are your current symptoms?
2. Do you have weight loss?
Please reply me answers of above asked questions, so that I can guide you better. I will be happy to help you further. Wish you good health. Thanks.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Prasad