What can cause white spots on a childs lungs?

Question

After taking my son to the allergist for allergy testing we discovered that he is highly allergic to many things. The doc did xrays and discovered these white spots on my sons lungs. He asked if we were farmers or ever lived in California and when I said no, he said that the radiologist would have to look at the xrays to see what he thought it was. Now we're just waiting and worrying if the symptoms he has had and been labeled asthmatic could be something else.

Answer 1

I think I'd just wait for the radiologist's opinion rather than worrying more and having some of us uneducated folk throw guesses your way.

Answer 2

White spots can sometimes be calcium deposits. This can be a finding in those who go on to develop asthma. Perhaps the doctor asked about farming and California because of the chemicals that are used. Try to be patient and wait for the Radiologist to make his/her report.

Answer 3

The doctor asked if you were a farmer because he wanted to see if your child was exposed to fungal spores found in moldy hay. Farmers are commonly exposed to these fungal spores, such as those of the fungus thermophilic Actinomyces. When the farmers are constantly exposed to these spores, they develop an allergic response in their lungs. A very constant exposure leads to collagen deposits in the lungs, which can cause the white spots.

The doctor asked if you ever lived in California maybe to see if your child was exposed to airborne spores of the fungus Coccidiomyces immitis. This fungus is found in the San Joaquin Valley in California.

Since you said that you are not farmer's nor that you have lived in California, then its most likely not these things.

By the way, thermophilic Actinomyces can also be found in old, wall-mounted or window-mounted air-conditioner units. So if you have one of those in your house, you might want to get that checked out.