Lung disease's early warning symptoms get ignored. Watch out for these signs

In the course of our busy days, a bothersome cough or a faint wheeze may hardly be noticed but it is crucial to pay attention to even minor symptoms. Some individuals mistakenly believe that breathing difficulties are a natural part of ageing and these symptoms should be closely monitored since they may be the initial indications of lung diseases such COPD, asthma or lung cancer.

Understanding the early indicators of lung illness can help us be treated before the condition worsens or even becomes life-threatening. The moment you see any of the warning signals listed below, schedule a visit with your doctor very away as your life might be saved by early detection.

In an interview with HT Lifestyle, Dr Arvind Kate, Pulmonologist at Zen Multispecialty Hospital, talked about the different types of lung disease and said, “Numerous illnesses that affect the lungs are referred to as lung disease. Your body may not receive enough oxygen when you have lung illness.” According to him, the most typical pulmonary conditions affecting women are:

1. Asthma affects the bronchial tubes, which are the airways that move air into and out of the lungs. The airways become exceedingly sensitive, irritated, or swollen when you have asthma. Smoke, smog, mould, chemical sprays, and other irritants cause them to respond.

2. Emphysema and chronic bronchitis are two illnesses referred to as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). They frequently occur in tandem. Both make breathing challenging and typically get worse with time.

3. Malignant lung cells proliferate abnormally and develop out of control in patients with lung cancer. These malignant cells have the capacity to spread across the body, infiltrate neighbouring tissues, or do both. Small cell and non-small cell lung cancer are the two main types. Non-small cell lung cancer is more common than small cell lung cancer and spreads more slowly.

Agreeing that lung disease's early warning symptoms are simple to ignore, he insisted that understanding the warning signals can enable you to get treatment before the problem worsens so, make an appointment with your healthcare professional if you have any of the following symptoms:

• A change in an existing chronic cough, a new cough that persists or gets worse or both
• Blood-producing cough
• Coughing, laughing, or heavy breathing might cause chest, back, or shoulder pain that becomes worse
• Sudden, unexpected shortness of breath that happens while doing ordinary tasks
• Loss of weight without cause
• Having a fatigued or weak feeling
• Appetite loss
• Persistent lung infections like pneumonia or bronchitis
• Wheezing or a hoarse voice
• Chronic Mucus Production: Much like a cough, mucus, also known as phlegm or sputum, is a physiological process that the body uses to defend itself against irritants or diseases. However, persistent mucus formation in the lungs is a symptom that the body is battling an infection and may be a sign of a more serious problem. Long-lasting coughs that produce mucus and continue for a month or more may indicate lung illness.
• Blood in a cough: The upper respiratory tract or the lungs may be the source of blood in a cough. A bloody cough, regardless of where it originates, is an indication of a health issue, maybe a serious one.

There is no better moment than the present to begin paying attention to your lung health. Don't neglect regular health examinations or tests. Any issue with the respiratory system, including a lung injury or illness, can cause these symptoms. It's crucial to consult a lung expert if these symptoms don't go away so they can be diagnosed, treated, and any additional harm can be stopped.