Connect with others who understand.

  •   Learn from expert-reviewed resources
  •   Real advice from people who’ve been there
  •   People who understand what you’re going through
Sign Up Log In
All Resources Treatments A-Z Personal Assistant Help Center Crisis
Powered By
Real members of myPHteam have posted questions and answers that support our community guidelines, and should not be taken as medical advice. Looking for the latest medically reviewed content by doctors and experts? Visit our resource section.

Over the past few months there were some conversations by a couple of members regarding having found out about ground glass in the lungs.

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Pueblo, CO

Apparently, I also have patchy ground glass in the airspace of the left lung. So my question is: did anyone find out what ground glass in the lungs means?

January 31, 2025
 · 
Reactions

Answer Summary

Members shared their experiences with ground glass opacities (GGO) appearing on lung scans, often discovered unexpectedly during imaging for... Read more

Members shared their experiences with ground glass opacities (GGO) appearing on lung scans, often discovered unexpectedly during imaging for other conditions or after COVID-19, with many expressing confusion about what it means and frustration when doctors dismissed their concerns or when radiologists seemed to overread results. Several members described finding additional unexpected findings like emphysema despite never smoking, calcified nodules that initially caused cancer scares, and scarring, leading to discussions about the importance of seeing specialists like pulmonologists who can properly interpret imaging rather than relying solely on radiologists or primary care doctors. A recurring theme was the anxiety of accessing test results through patient portals before doctors can explain them, the challenge of finding knowledgeable and communicative medical teams, and the reassurance members provided each other that GGO and related findings are often benign and that having PH is not a death sentence when properly managed with the right specialists.

A myPHteam Member

I was very sick with some type of pneumonia in November of 2019. My CT showed the look of ground glass. Not really glass, it just gives the look of ground glass.

January 31, 2025 (edited)
A myPHteam Member

Usually when I wanna know bout something I google it and get a a pretty thorough description of it.

January 31, 2025
A myPHteam Member

Beth, I'm so glad you're here and I've met you. My pcp doesn't know a lot about it either and he is happy that I have a great pulmonologist that does. My pulmonologist used to work at the Cleveland clinic and he is excellent! My pcp is good , don't get me wrong, he manages all my med stuff, lol. His nurse is fabulous, might be biased, she used to work with my husband so there's an established relationship, but she really is goid at her job. They find answers for us if they don't have them.
I agree, they are afraid of malpractice instead of what's best for the patient. When did we take the back seat.

One thing I've learned is that PH is not a death sentence, we still have a lot of living to do, a lot of knowledge to pass on to the younger generations. We can live 20 yrs or more.

My pulmonologist is a great advocate for me. He thought it was PH and kept insisting i get a RHC to my cardiologist until he did it. He even sent me for a second opinion to make sure he was doing what he should (this was before ph). He's responsible for me having a great rheumatologist and cardiologist, my PH specialist is ok, I just don't really get a warm fuzzy from her, maybe in time.

I'm so sorry you are still dealing with things regarding your Dads death. Smiling can change our mood and brighten someone's day. I do hope you still have yours. 😊

February 3, 2025
A myPHteam Member

Ground glass opacities are a fairly common findings on x-rays and CT scans. They can be indicative of a bigger problem or nothing at all. When there is a concern of something more serious, oftentimes a CT is ordered. As for emphysema, while it is more common with smokers, anyone can develop emphysema. In fact, PH can cause emphysema.

https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/...

Emphysema - Symptoms and causes
Emphysema - Symptoms and causes
https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/emphysema/symptoms-causes/syc-20355555
February 1, 2025
A myPHteam Member

@A myPHteam Member That’s a mouthful!

February 1, 2025

Related Questions

View All

Does anybody else have blue nail beds?

A myPHteam Member asked a question 💭
Sierra Madre, CA
April 27, 2022

Get the most out of myPHteam by tailoring your own team!
How Are the Lungs and Heart Connected in PAH?
Staying Engaged With Your PAH Care: Read Our Survey Results