What causes a lung nodule classified as category 2?

Generally, pulmonary nodules of category 2 may be caused by genetic factors, age and lifestyle habits, chronic bronchitis, pulmonary tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and other factors. Symptomatic management through general treatment and medication is usually required. If physical discomfort occurs, prompt medical attention should be sought. Detailed explanations are as follows:

1. Genetic Factors

The formation of pulmonary nodules may also be related to genetic factors. Genetic predispositions might increase an individual's susceptibility to lung diseases, making them more prone to developing pulmonary nodules under the same environmental conditions. For pulmonary nodules caused by genetic factors, regular imaging examinations should be conducted to monitor changes. If the nodule increases in size or shows signs of malignancy, prompt medical consultation should be sought, and treatment should be administered following medical advice.

2. Age and Lifestyle Habits

With aging, lung function gradually declines. Long-term smoking, exposure to secondhand smoke, and living in environments with high levels of dust are unhealthy lifestyle habits that may increase the risk of lung damage, thereby leading to pulmonary nodules. Additionally, when immunity is low, lung inflammation and viral infections may also cause pulmonary nodules. It is recommended to improve lifestyle habits, such as quitting smoking, avoiding secondhand smoke and dusty environments, and enhancing physical exercise to improve immunity.

3. Chronic Bronchitis

Long-term smoking or air pollution can lead to chronic inflammation. In cases of chronic bronchitis, the lungs are continuously irritated, leading to local tissue proliferation and fibrosis, resulting in nodule-like changes. Patients may experience long-term cough, sputum production, and difficulty breathing. It is recommended to follow medical advice and use medications such as azithromycin tablets, cefaclor tablets, and cephalexin capsules to alleviate symptoms.

4. Pulmonary Tuberculosis

Pulmonary tuberculosis is a chronic infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection. When Mycobacterium tuberculosis invades the lungs, it causes inflammation and tissue damage, forming tuberculous nodules. Symptoms may include cough, sputum production, and hemoptysis. It is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as isoniazid tablets, rifampicin capsules, and streptomycin sulfate for injection in treatment.

5. Pulmonary Fibrosis

During the process of alveolar and interstitial lung inflammation and fibrosis, lung tissue is gradually replaced by scar tissue, forming nodule-like lesions. Patients may experience progressive dyspnea, dry cough, and other symptoms. It is recommended to follow medical guidance and use medications such as pirfenidone capsules, nintedanib ethanesulfonate soft capsules, and prednisone acetate tablets for treatment.

In daily life, maintaining good lifestyle and dietary habits and enhancing immunity can help reduce the occurrence of diseases.

References

[1] Cao Simiao, Ma Zuofeng. Experience of Ma Zuofeng in treating pulmonary nodules [J]. Hubei Journal of Traditional Chinese Medicine, 2025, 47(03): 26-28.

[2] Li Mengcong, Wang Na, Wang Guangdong, et al. Misdiagnosis analysis and literature review of pulmonary nodules presenting primarily with chest tightness and shortness of breath [J]. Clinical Misdiagnosis and Mistherapy, 2025, 38(04): 11-16.