Hi Dr. Mintz. Last week I experienced shortness of breath and a chest x-ray was ordered. The findings were that 1) bilateral hilar prominance was noted due to vasculature as opposed to enlarged lymph nodes. 2) septal thickening of both lungs Do you know what causes this? I no longer am experiencing shortness of breath, but I still have weasing in my bronchial tree. I am not a smoker. I am 51 and have been battling osteomyelitis in my great toe which was recently removed. I now am on six weeks of IV antibiotics administered through my PICC line. Thank you, Bri
Hello dear, thanks for your question on Chat Doctor. In my opinion you should consult pulmonologist and get done PFT (pulmonary function test) to rule out bronchitis. Age more than 50 is an individual risk factor for bronchitis. You are also having wheezing with shortness of breath, these also favors possibility of bronchitis more. Bilateral septal thickening is also seen in bronchitis due to inflammation. So consult pulmonologist and get done PFT. PFT will not only diagnose bronchitis, but also tell you about severity of the disease. And for treatment severity is important. You may require inhaled bronchodilators. No need to worry much for septal thickening in both lungs.