I'm planning to move to the UAE, but I'm worried about the medical clearance because of an old chest x-ray I had in 2013. Back then, it showed some congestion in the hilum and increased bronchovascular markings that were thought to be due to an infection in my lower respiratory tract, and there were also some patchy segments of pneumonitis near the heart. Everything else on the x-ray was fine, though. Since then, I've been healthy and haven't had any breathing issues, just the occasional cold and cough. I also had really high IgE levels at that time, but I've quit smoking for almost three years now. I'm concerned about whether these markings could be considered scars on the x-ray. Is there a way to address this, or do you think it could affect my medical approval? Would love to hear your thoughts on this!
Old chest X-ray findings of increased broncho-vascular markings or pneumonitis typically resolve without leaving scars if the infection was treated properly. Since you've had no breathing issues and have quit smoking, it's unlikely these would appear as scars now. A fresh X-ray and consultation with a pulmonologist should clarify this.