Warning Signs of Lung Disease
Lung disease may not be diagnosed until the disease is advanced because the signs may be subtle. That’s why I always recommend that you stay alert for any warning signs that could indicate the presence of lung disease. I’m going to tell you about some of the most common symptoms below. But first, let’s take a look at the overview of the lungs.
What do the lungs do in the body?
The lungs are a pair of organs in the human body responsible for taking in oxygen and expelling carbon dioxide. They are located in the chest cavity, with one lung on either side of the heart. The lungs help us to breathe by exchanging oxygen from inhaled air for carbon dioxide from exhaled air.
Oxygen is essential for cell function and metabolism and helps to lower blood pressure. The lungs also play a role in regulating acid-base balance and controlling respiration rate.
What are Lung Diseases?
You might be wondering, what is lung disease? As the name implies, lung diseases are disorders that affect the lungs. These include asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, cystic fibrosis, and lung cancer. Other lung diseases are tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic bronchitis.
Warning Signs of Lung Disease
Here are warning signs that you may have lung disease:
1. Persistent Cough
A long-term cough that doesn’t seem to go away often indicates something is wrong with your respiratory system. While coughing is a normal reflex, if it persists for more than three weeks, I recommend seeing a doctor.
2. Shortness of Breath
Everyone experiences shortness of breath at some point in their lives. But if you’re having difficulty catching your breath or feeling winded after minimal physical activity, it could be a warning sign. Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing is a common symptom of advanced lung diseases such as COPD, asthma, and pulmonary fibrosis. You should visit your doctor if this symptom persists.
3. Chronic chest pain
This one might seem obvious, but chest pain that lasts for a month also indicates an underlying lung condition that needs attention from a healthcare professional. Often chest pain will manifest as sharp pains in the chest when taking deep breaths or coughing, which could indicate pneumonia or pleurisy, among other conditions.
4. Wheezing
If you’re experiencing a whistling sound when you inhale or exhale, it may be wheezing. Wheezing is caused by a narrowing of the airways or blocking of the airways. It can be a symptom of asthma, COPD, pneumonia, or other lung diseases.
5. Coughing up blood
Also known as hemoptysis, coughing up blood is an indication of a more serious condition such as lung cancer or tuberculosis. It could also be caused by other underlying conditions such as pulmonary embolism, bronchitis, or pneumonia. If you start coughing up blood, you must see a doctor immediately.
After hearing about the warning signs of lung disease, if you are experiencing any of the symptoms listed above on a regular basis, I would recommend that you seek medical advice as soon as possible. Lung diseases can be fatal if left untreated and early diagnosis is key to successful treatment.
Also Read: How To Cleanse Your Lungs Easily
