When Does a Cough Need a CT Scan? Know the Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore

Fast Facts

• CT scans are not needed for most coughs.
• If your cough does not improve or gets worse, see a doctor.
• Don’t ignore such symptoms as bloody cough, unexplained weight loss, chest pain or shortness of breath. If your chest X-ray shows something unusual or if you have a lung condition your doctor may suggest a CT scan.
• Call your doctor regarding side effects for advice.

What does a chest CT scan involve?

A chest CT scan is an imaging procedure that employs X-rays to take comprehensive photographs of your lungs and chest cavity. This tool helps to find lung problems that are hard to see on a regular chest x-ray.

Not every cough needs a CT. Your doctor will recommend one of these tests based on your symptoms, medical history, physical exam and results of initial tests.

When should you get a CT Scan for a cough?

If your cough continues, gets worse, or is accompanied by other troubling symptoms, your doctor may recommend a CT scan.

A cough that won’t go away

If your cough is lasting longer than three weeks and is worsening, you should get it checked out. If the cause is not obvious , a CT scan can be done .

Abnormal Chest X-ray

A CT scan can offer more detailed images to investigate an unusual finding on a chest X-ray.

Coughing Blood

If you cough up blood, you should have your sputum examined urgently. A CT scan can be suggested by your doctor based on what he or she feels may be causing the condition.

Unintentional weight loss

A chronic cough, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or persistent fatigue should be investigated.

Recurrent chest infections

Frequent respiratory infections, but also other chronic respiratory problems, may be a sign of an underlying problem of the lungs that requires a close look.

Warning signs you shouldn’t ignore

If you have any of these symptoms, especially if they are new or getting worse, see a health care provider for evaluation.

Breathlessness

Consult a doctor if you have unusual breathlessness at rest, or when walking or climbing stairs.

Chest discomfort or pain

If you have chest pain or discomfort that doesn’t go away and you also have a cough, that could be a sign of something that needs investigating.

Sputum with Blood

If you cough up blood, even a small amount, do not ignore it.

Weight loss with no explanation

If you are losing weight and you have not changed your diet or lifestyle, see a doctor, especially if you have a lingering cough.

Persistent fever

Persistent or recurring fever with cough can be an infection or some other underlying problem.

If you have serious trouble breathing, severe chest pain that comes suddenly or coughs up large amounts of blood, call your doctor right away.

What is a Chest CT scan?

A chest CT may help doctors: Diagnose or search for:

• Lung nodules or masses of suspicious appearance
• Lung infections, like pneumonia
• Bronchiectasis, an abnormal dilation of the airways
• Interstitial lung diseases – affecting lung tissue
• Other abnormalities that may not be easily seen on chest radiograph

A CT scan can help to direct further testing but sometimes more testing is needed to confirm a diagnosis.

CT Scan For A Chronic Cough – Do You Really Need One?

No. There are many reasons for lingering coughs including allergies, asthma, acid reflux or a respiratory infection that sticks around.

Your doctor may start with a physical exam, a review of your medications or a chest x-ray. If symptoms persist, initial tests show abnormalities, or a specific lung condition is suspected, a CT scan may be considered. CT scans involve radiation so they should be done when medically appropriate.

When to See a Doctor?

See a doctor if your cough lasts more than three weeks, returns, gets worse or if you have trouble breathing, chest pain, a fever or unexplained weight loss.Based on your symptoms your doctor will determine if you need a chest X-ray, CT scan or other tests.

Most coughs improve over time, but a persistent cough, a cough that worsens or is accompanied by other warning signs should be evaluated. An early medical evaluation can help pinpoint the cause and guide appropriate treatment.

See your doctor if your cough does not improve to find out why and if you need further investigations, such as a CT scan of your chest.