Is multiple cord-like shadows in both lungs serious?

Multifocal cord-like shadows in both lungs may or may not be serious, depending on the specific circumstances.

1. Not serious

Multifocal cord-like shadows in both lungs are usually caused by previous infectious lesions or other pulmonary lesions that have healed after proper treatment, leaving behind interstitial fibrous tissue proliferation and minor granulation tissue—indicating old, inactive lesions. These typically do not affect surrounding tissues or lung function and are generally not serious; regular follow-up observation is sufficient.

2. Serious

If during follow-up observation there is a noticeable increase in multifocal cord-like shadows in both lungs, accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath after physical activity or exertion, this may indicate the development of pulmonary fibrosis. As pulmonary fibrosis is a chronic condition that progressively worsens and has a poor prognosis, it is usually considered serious in such cases.