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What Does "fungus In Sputum" Indicate?
Question: Could never get a satisfactory answer on web regarding radiation exposure from Xray and CT scans.
I have had CT of abdomen/pelvic, 4 chest Xrays, Nuclear stress test, Echocardiogram, MRI of Thoracic spine, lumbar spine both with/without contrast and recently upper endoscopy. So far every thing came normal. I still have some metallic taste in my throat and sputum is sometimes pinkish. Sputum has some fungus. My pulmonary doctor says I can have another chest xray and Bronchosopy. Should I worry about the radiation and how many chest xrays can one have. I know I got close to 1000 mrem on abdomen CT.
I am 5' 6" and 134 lbs. Currently on 10 mg of lisinopril, fluconazole 200 mg for fungal infection and dexilant 60mg for metallic taste.
Thanks,XXXX
I have had CT of abdomen/pelvic, 4 chest Xrays, Nuclear stress test, Echocardiogram, MRI of Thoracic spine, lumbar spine both with/without contrast and recently upper endoscopy. So far every thing came normal. I still have some metallic taste in my throat and sputum is sometimes pinkish. Sputum has some fungus. My pulmonary doctor says I can have another chest xray and Bronchosopy. Should I worry about the radiation and how many chest xrays can one have. I know I got close to 1000 mrem on abdomen CT.
I am 5' 6" and 134 lbs. Currently on 10 mg of lisinopril, fluconazole 200 mg for fungal infection and dexilant 60mg for metallic taste.
Thanks,XXXX
Brief Answer:
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Suspicion of a fungus in sputum does require a bronchoscopy. This is usually done by a fiberoptic instrument which is sterilized and then inserted in the airway. This is radiation free procedure. The other chest X ray might be to know any current findings in the chest which might indicate an infection (?fungal). The radiation dose in a chest X ray is very less. An abdomen CT scan may give radiation dose equal to 200-400 chest X rays. As an expert I suggest you go ahead with your bronchoscopy and chest X ray. There is no added risk from radiation point of view.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Please find detailed answer below
Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXX
Thanks for writing in to us.
I have read through your query in detail.
Suspicion of a fungus in sputum does require a bronchoscopy. This is usually done by a fiberoptic instrument which is sterilized and then inserted in the airway. This is radiation free procedure. The other chest X ray might be to know any current findings in the chest which might indicate an infection (?fungal). The radiation dose in a chest X ray is very less. An abdomen CT scan may give radiation dose equal to 200-400 chest X rays. As an expert I suggest you go ahead with your bronchoscopy and chest X ray. There is no added risk from radiation point of view.
Hope your query is answered.
Do write back if you have any doubts.
Regards,
Dr.Vivek
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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