Lung Question

[tednlou2]

I picked up my latest chest X-ray report and imaging, from when I was sick recently.  It was done, because I feared another case of pneumonia; however, they said it was just your normal respiratory infection.  I picked up the report and the imaging CD, because I am going to see a pulmonary doc. 

As many know, I had a bad case of pneumonia back in 2008, which prompted my testing for HIV.  Last September, I had a small bout of it again.  I caught it early and antibiotics got me well.  I want to see a pulmonary doc, so I can learn more about the lungs and infections.  I also want more knowledge on the scarring I have in the bottom of my left lung-- how bad is it and what does that predict about the future.

So, the report says I have the scarring with mild volume loss.  Here is the thing I am curious about-- It says "perihilar calcified granulomas are noted."  I asked a friend, who is starting his career as a respiratory therapist, and he said that happens with smokers.  However, when I googled it, I find many articles saying those are often due to fungal infections, such as histoplasmosis and TB.  They say many are exposed to histoplasmosis, especially living in the Ohio Valley, which I do.  They say those with good immune systems quarantine the fungal infections and no further issues-- just ending up with these calcified granulomas.

I've gotten over my respiratory infection-- knock wood.  Does anyone know what this finding means?  Are these usually due to fungal infections, like I'm reading on so many sites?  If so, is this something neg folks would also have?  In those articles, they said many are exposed and have these, and only mentioned HIV to say how it can cause illness.  Or, can these be due to your "normal" respiratory infections and/or smoking?  I quit in 2008.  The report says no active pulmonary disease.  It says my left hemi-diaphram demonstrates mild elevation.