What Does a Chest CT Show?
If you're still coughing every day — you are not alone.
Chest X-Ray vs. Chest CT: What's the Difference?
Chest X-rays may be the first, and sometimes only, test a doctor orders when they need to see the inside of your chest. The result of a chest X-ray is a 2D image of your heart, lungs, and chest wall. This can help identify some infections as well as certain heart and lung problems.
Chest CT (computed tomography) is a more advanced form of medical imaging. Instead of a chest X-ray's single 2D image, a chest CT takes many 2D images and combines them into a 3D model. Doctors can use this 3D model to take a detailed look at the structures inside the lungs. They can see where airways may be irritated or damaged.
Why Would a Doctor Order a Chest CT?
Doctors may order a chest CT for different reasons. If they are looking at the lungs, a chest CT makes it possible to check individual airways for damage. One situation where a doctor might check airways for damage is if you have been diagnosed with COPD, have received treatment, and are still experiencing symptoms. These symptoms can include a wet cough, multiple lung infections, and dark or smelly mucus.
A chest CT can show if the airways in your lungs have become wider and thicker. Widened airways could be a sign of bronchiectasis (pronounced: brong-kee-ek-tuh-suhs). Bronchiectasis is a medical condition that shares symptoms with COPD but is treated differently. A chest CT is the only way to diagnose bronchiectasis.
What Happens After a Chest CT?
After the scan, a doctor who specializes in reading medical images may review the results. They will send a report to the doctor who ordered the scan. The doctor who ordered the scan may review the report and discuss the findings with you. If the CT shows signs of airway damage, your doctor may discuss next steps with you. This may include a referral to a pulmonologist if you are not already seeing one.
It is okay to ask questions when your doctor explains the results of your chest CT. Some helpful questions could include:
- What did the chest CT show?
- Do the results explain why my symptoms are getting worse?
- Are there any follow-up tests needed?
- Should I see a pulmonologist?
Answers Are Out There
If you are taking medicine for COPD and still experiencing symptoms, it may be worth talking with your doctor. They can order more advanced tests like a chest CT or refer you to a lung specialist called a pulmonologist.
Taking these next steps can be intimidating, but you do not have to do it alone. Our Ambit Guides are here to help. If you are living with COPD and it feels like something still isn't right, AmbitCare can help. Our questionnaire takes less than 5 minutes to complete. From there, you'll be matched with an Ambit Guide - a real person who will help connect you with educational resources and support you as you learn about other conditions similar to COPD, like bronchiectasis. Take the questionnaire to get started.
Please note that while AmbitCare can help you better understand what educational resources are available, they are not licensed medical providers and thus can neither diagnose any disease or disorder nor endorse or recommend any specific medical treatments. We encourage you to speak with your doctor if you have questions about your medical condition.
