Do I need to do a lung CT re examination if I find an increase in the number of alveoli during a physical examination?

When an increase in the number of alveoli is found during a physical examination, it is usually recommended to undergo a lung CT re examination. The increase in the number of alveoli may be related to physiological compensation or pathological changes, and further evaluation through imaging is needed. The increase in alveolar count in healthy individuals may be caused by physiological factors such as long-term high-altitude residence and regular aerobic exercise, which is a normal compensatory phenomenon. This type of situation usually does not have symptoms such as coughing or difficulty breathing, and chest X-rays may show thickening of lung markings but no clear lesions. Pulmonary CT re examination can help rule out potential lesions, but if there are no other abnormalities and no high-risk factors during the initial physical examination, some doctors may recommend follow-up observation 3-6 months later. Pathological alveolar hyperplasia requires vigilance against organic diseases such as emphysema and interstitial lung disease. Patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease form large alveoli due to the destruction and fusion of alveolar walls, and high-resolution CT can clearly display the extent of the lesion. Early pneumoconiosis may also manifest as abnormal proliferation of alveoli accompanied by nodular shadows. If the physical examination report mentions a decrease in lung density, an increase in transparency, or a history of smoking or occupational exposure, a CT scan should be completed as soon as possible. For those with warning symptoms such as hemoptysis and persistent hypoxia, emergency CT evaluation should be completed within 48 hours. Before lung CT re examination, vigorous exercise and smoking should be avoided, and respiratory instructions should be coordinated during the examination to ensure image quality. Pregnant women should inform their doctors in advance and switch to low-dose CT scans if necessary. The re examination results should be comprehensively judged by a respiratory specialist in combination with lung function, blood gas analysis, etc., avoiding self interpretation of the imaging report. Daily attention should be paid to changes such as shortness of breath after activities, and patients with chronic respiratory diseases can receive regular respiratory rehabilitation training.