What causes ground-glass nodules in the lungs?
Sep 30, 2022
Source: Cainiu Health
Dr. Guo Xiheng
Introduction
Ground-glass nodules in the lungs may be caused by hemorrhage, pulmonary inflammation, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, or inflammatory pseudotumor, and can be managed according to specific conditions. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment under a doctor's guidance. Minor bleeding usually resolves spontaneously; patients should rest in bed and avoid strenuous activity and coughing. If bleeding is more significant, hemostatic medications may be required.
Ground-glass nodules in the lungs may be caused by hemorrhage, pneumonia, pulmonary fibrosis, tuberculosis, inflammatory pseudotumor, and other conditions. Management should be tailored according to the specific cause. It is recommended to seek timely medical evaluation and treatment under the guidance of a physician.
1. Hemorrhage
Lung trauma or severe coughing can lead to rupture of blood vessels in the lung, causing bleeding that accumulates within alveoli or lung interstitium, resulting in ground-glass opacities. Minor bleeding often resolves spontaneously; patients should rest in bed and avoid strenuous activity and coughing. In cases of significant bleeding, hemostatic medications may be required.
2. Pneumonia
Infection of the lungs by pathogens such as bacteria, viruses, or mycoplasma can trigger an inflammatory response, leading to local exudation and edema, which appear as ground-glass nodules on imaging studies. Under medical supervision, medications such as amoxicillin capsules, cefuroxime axetil tablets, or azithromycin tablets may be prescribed to alleviate symptoms.
3. Pulmonary Fibrosis
Long-term inhalation of harmful gases or dust, or conditions such as autoimmune diseases, may lead to proliferation of fibrous tissue in the lung interstitium, which may initially present as ground-glass nodules. Avoidance of causative factors—such as quitting smoking and minimizing dust exposure—is essential.
4. Tuberculosis
Infection with *Mycobacterium tuberculosis* causes inflammatory reactions and caseous necrosis in lung tissue, which may appear as ground-glass nodules on imaging. Patients should take medications such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and ethambutol tablets under medical supervision, following the principles of early, combined, appropriate, regular, and complete treatment.
5. Inflammatory Pseudotumor
Chronic lung inflammation over time may stimulate local tissue proliferation, forming an inflammatory mass resembling a tumor, which appears as a ground-glass nodule on imaging. If the pseudotumor is large or does not respond well to medication, surgical removal may be considered.
In daily life, it is recommended to maintain a light diet and avoid spicy or irritating foods such as garlic, hot pot, and wasabi. Adequate rest is important, and excessive fatigue should be avoided to prevent adverse effects on health.
