Discover Signs of Lung Issues: When to Seek Help from a Doctor
If your lungs don’t feel right, it could mean something serious. It’s vital to notice signs of lung problems and symptoms that suggest your lungs might not be healthy. Early detection is key to managing conditions like lung disease, COPD, and the leading cancer killer in the U.S. – lung cancer. So, don’t ignore persistent issues like a cough or recurring chest pain. It’s crucial!
Dr. Miguel Villalona-Calero emphasizes, “If you keep having ongoing symptoms, it’s important to get a thorough check, especially if you smoke or used to. Other risk factors matter too.” Wondering if your lungs are doing well? Top doctors highlight signs to watch out for. Here’s what you need to know about your lung health and when to seek help.
Signs of Lung Issues:
- Long-term chest pain: Chest pain lasting over a month could signal a serious issue like lung disease or, as Dr. Villalona-Calero warns, even lung cancer.
- Excessive mucus production: If gooey stuff in your throat or chest sticks around for more than a month, it might indicate lung problems. The American Lung Association says it’s your body fighting off infections.
- Wheezing: Struggling or noisy breathing could mean blocked airways in your lungs, often seen in asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, or COPD, explains Dr. Purvi Parikh.
- Persistent coughing: A cough that won’t quit may be a sign of serious conditions like mesothelioma, lung infection, asthma, COPD, or pulmonary fibrosis. Don’t ignore it.
- Swelling or pain in legs: These symptoms might indicate a serious blood clot that could travel to your lungs, warns Dr. Laren Tan.
- Constant exhaustion: Dr. Tan notes exhaustion could relate to sleep apnea, affecting breathing during sleep and causing fatigue and other symptoms.
- Coughing up blood: Seek immediate medical attention if you notice blood when you cough, as it could be a sign of conditions like bronchitis or even lung cancer.
- Shortness of breath: This may be linked to asthma, COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, or pulmonary hypertension, says Dr. Tan. Rapid onset could indicate pulmonary embolism.
- Blue fingernails: Cyanosis, or blue nails, signals low oxygen levels and may indicate severe lung disease. Consult a pulmonologist, advises Dr. Parikh.
- Changing voice: Weak exhalation can alter your voice. Paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction may also cause voice changes, says Dr. Tan.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight changes may result from increased effort in breathing, possibly due to conditions like chronic respiratory infections or even lung cancer.
- Shoulder pain: If not due to muscle strain, shoulder pain could be a sign of lung cancer or a pulmonary embolism, explains Dr. Knox.
- Persistent respiratory infections: Frequent infections like bronchitis or pneumonia might signal a more serious issue, such as lung cancer, warns Dr. Villalona-Calero.
Remember, if you experience any of these signs, consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation. This information is inspired by Parade’s original source.
https://parade.com/893333/nicolepajer/13-signs-your-lungs-may-not-be-healthy/