Can chest x rays miss a lung infection?

Yes: A chest x-ray can miss a small infection or cancer. If symptoms persist a repeat chest x-ray or ct scan should be done.

Yes: Chest xray looks at the lung tissue superimposed on a the chest wall tissue including the ribs and all the muscles and thus can miss subtle findings. In addition, lung infection can be subtle, with presentation as a small focus of infection or a rather very faint infection area that can be very difficult to detect with xray alone. A ct study may be useful if necessary.