Dear drs i went for a x ray earlier today and the report notes slightly increased bronchovascular markings are seen basally. this may be related to passive atelectasis only but a mild basal bronchitic process is to be considered . what does this mean?

Context : Do you have any symptoms? The X-ray reading indicates that at the lung bases there is mild signs of congestion that may be related to not taking deep breaths but could also be related to mild inflammation or slight amount of fluid altering normal X-ray appearance. Would follow up if symptoms and concentrate on some deep breathing exercises if none.

Translation: The standard by which x-rays are assessed requires that the patient take a deep breath & expand their lungs to the standard amount. This reading just suggests the film was taken at a point where the breath taken was not deep enough to fully expand the lung, Atelectasis (lack of full expansion) or a mild inflammation in the bronchial tubes could both produce the appearance seen.