Sometimes, the human body has a very funny way of letting us know that something is wrong with it.
Case in point, if you find yourself with increased thirst, on/off again blurred vision or increased fatigue, then chances are that your body is warning you about the presence of diabetes.
Of course, warning signs can be different and should be heeded by everyone.
All of this talk about warning signs though does bring up a good point for another important condition, lung disease.
So what exactly are the warning signs of lung disease?
Most Common Warning Signs of Lung Disease
Depending upon the severity of the condition, people diagnosed with lung disease will experience different signs and symptoms.
Here are the warnings signs of lung disease to look out for:
Chronic Cough – Any cough that has lasted for almost a month is considered a chronic cough. This is considered one of the earliest symptoms of lung disease.
Shortness of Breath – Another common warning sign for lung disease is shortness of breath. If you are constantly finding it hard to breathe in or out, this could be a good indication that something is wrong with your lungs.
Increased Mucus Production – Mucus, also called sputum or phlegm, is produced by the airways. It is a defense response to infections or irritants. If your mucus production has lasted a month, this could indicate lung disease.
Wheezing – Noisy breathing or wheezing is a sign that something unusual is blocking your lungs’ airways or making them too narrow to breathe.
Coughing up Blood – Coughing up blood is another warning sign of lung disease. The blood may be coming from your lungs or upper respiratory tract. No matter the source, it is a good idea to get this checked out.
Chronic Chest Pain – Unexplained chest pain that lasts for a month or more – especially if it gets worse when you breathe in or cough – can also be a warning sign.
If you are experiencing any number of these warning signs, it might be time to visit your doctor. With a spirometry test, your doctor will be able to test the extent of your breathing and find out if you are suffering from a lung disease.
Don’t let lung disease catch you further down the road, take care of it now!
Christine Kingsley, APRN is the Health and Wellness Director at the Lung Institute where she focuses on providing helpful online resources for people looking for information on various lung diseases, breathing exercises, and healthy lifestyle choices. She advocates for holistic care that involves working with your doctor to explore all options including traditional and alternative care while focusing on diet and exercise as proactive measures.
