Pain in the chest, a constant cough, or breathing difficulties may make you suspect that there is something going on in your lungs. Although most problems may turn out to be insignificant, in some cases your doctor may advise you to undergo a lung scan or another diagnostic method due to your symptoms, history, and results of a physical examination. Imaging tests will assist your physician in evaluating your lungs and adjacent structures, as well as areas of the chest cavity not detectable with a physical examination.

Is lung imaging necessary for every chest/back pain? No, it isn’t. In some cases, it would be wrong to choose an inappropriate imaging technique; that’s why we offer you to find out when lung imaging is needed, what kinds of tests are usually prescribed by physicians, and what kind of chest/back pain should be examined.

When Do Doctors Recommend a Lung Scan?

Doctors generally recommend lung imaging when symptoms or examination findings suggest that looking inside the chest could provide useful information. Common reasons include:

• Persistent or unexplained cough

• Shortness of breath

• Chest pain

• Unexplained weight loss or fatigue

• Abnormal findings during a physical examination

• A history of smoking or significant exposure to lung irritants

• Monitoring a previously identified lung condition

Lung imaging usually isn't the first step. A chest X-ray often comes first, and a CT scan follows if more detail is needed. A CT scan may be used in case of the need for more detailed images.

Can There Be Any Connection Between Rib or Back Pains and Lungs?

However, just because there is pain in the ribs does not mean that the pain is caused by the lungs. It could be that the muscles, joints, nerves, or even the spine could cause the pain in the ribs.

For instance, one may experience rib pain after sleeping in an unusual position that may be the cause of the rib pain and not a lung problem. Moreover, back rib pain from sleeping can happen when the body is positioned in an unusual way for some time.

On the other hand, if there are other signs apart from rib pain such as shortness of breath, fever, cough, or weight loss, then one should seek a professional.

What Types of Lung Imaging May Be Used?

Chest X-Ray

A chest X-ray is often used as an initial imaging test. It can help identify certain infections, lung abnormalities, fluid around the lungs, or changes in the chest.

CT Scan

However, compared to the X-ray, a CT scan provides a much more detailed image.

Other Imaging Tests

In some cases, depending on the situation, your doctor may choose other types of imaging or functional studies.

What Should You Tell Your Doctor Before Imaging?

Before undergoing imaging, explain when your symptoms started and whether they are getting better or worse. Also mention:

• Previous lung or chest conditions

• Smoking history

• Recent injuries or infections

• Medications and relevant medical conditions

• Previous imaging results

• Whether you have had similar symptoms before

This would be helpful in the decision process of when an imaging test should be performed and what type would give the most informative results.

When Do You Need to See a Doctor?

An imaging test does not always need to be performed simply because there is some type of symptom that is present in the rib cage, chest, and back areas. However, there is a need to see a doctor if one experiences pain, especially if the pain is severe, acute, chronic, or painful with difficulty breathing or coughing up blood. When is lung scanning needed? Lung scanning is helpful if there is a medical need to examine the lungs, and this will always depend on the patient’s symptoms and clinical circumstances and not simply because someone wants to feel better. ViaScan of Las Colinas, located in Irving, Texas, is one of the medical imaging centers that offers CT-based imaging. 

Conclusion

A scan of the lungs could aid your doctor in the diagnosis of any symptoms you have that cannot be picked up during a general exam. Chest pain and back pain may have to do with sleeping posture and muscle strain in some cases, but any ongoing concerns should be considered seriously.

If you are having symptoms involving your chest area, ribs, and breathing, consulting a qualified medical practitioner who is qualified would be the first step you should take. This way, he or she will be able to decide if you need a lung scan or something else.