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Doctors name lung disease signals that should not be ignored

Anna CherkasovaSociety
The lungs are a vital organ

The human body is a whole system, which only if all its components work together, can give you health and longevity. The lungs are the unique paired organ that literally supports our vital functions. They allow us to inhale oxygen from the air and exhale carbon dioxide. We never even think about this process of breathing, even though it ensures our very existence without exaggeration.

Like any organ, the lungs can become diseased. It is difficult not to notice a persistent cough or inflammation, but it is equally important to pay attention to lung ailments that may indicate the development of disease. OBOZREVATEL analyzed medical information and made a selection of symptoms that should not be ignored.

As a rule, lung diseases develop over a long period of time, so some may perceive deterioration in health as signs of aging or loss of fitness. This can lead to late screening and diagnosis, which in turn complicates treatment. The Lung Foundation Australia tells you what to watch out for.

Shortness of breath

Shortness of breath is common during significant physical exertion or when you are overweight because your body is working hard. However, difficulty or inability to breathe in fully at rest may indicate the development of lung disease. Such a symptom may accompany minimal exertion and not improve at rest.

Persistent cough

If you have recently had the flu or bronchitis, residual symptoms may bother you for a few more weeks with a tendency to diminish.

However, a cough that lasts more than eight weeks without improvement is considered chronic and indicates that the pulmonary system is not well and a specialist should be consulted.

Changes in Breathing

As a rule, we do not hear our own breathing. If it suddenly becomes too noisy, wheezing, or whistling, it could be an indication that something is narrowing the airways, causing inflammation, and blocking the free flow of air. Asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) are common causes of such breathing, but a doctor is responsible for making the diagnosis.

Excessive mucus production

The lungs produce a certain amount of mucus, which we also call phlegm, to protect the airways from infections, allergens and other irritants. These secretions should be light or transparent and produced in small amounts.

If you notice that sputum of yellow or green color is secreted for a long time or during coughing, or its amount increases over time, you should immediately contact a specialist to check your lungs.

Coughing up blood

If you notice mucus with streaks of blood when you cough, it is coming from the lungs or upper respiratory tract. Regardless of where the blood came from, having it in your sputum is a bad sign and indicates lung disease.

Chest pain

Pain behind the sternum can be a symptom of various conditions, including cardiovascular, but can also be an indication of lung disease.

Do not avoid going to the doctor if your chest pain does not go away, increases or gets worse when you breathe in or cough.

Weight Loss

If you are not on a diet or active lifestyle, but are rapidly losing weight, you should see your doctor for a consultation.

These symptoms can indicate the development of numerous diseases, but if they are accompanied by shortness of breath, difficulty breathing or swallowing, and apathy, check your lungs to rule out serious conditions such as lung cancer or severe chronic obstructive disease.

As you can see, diseases of the lung system can go unreported for a long time and appear only as mild ailments that can often be confused with other illnesses. However, paying attention to your own health and the body's signals, timely prevention and examination will help not to miss a serious lung disease and not to miss the time for its successful treatment.

Previously OBOZREVATEL told about the latest research of a new strain of coronavirus. Scientists said that Omicron predominantly affects the upper respiratory tract, not the lungs.

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