How to Detect Early Signs of Lung Disease: A Comprehensive Guide

Lung disease describes a set of disorders that affect the proper functioning of the lungs. It covers various conditions, such as asthma, lung cancer, and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD).

For successful treatment, it is essential to identify early warning signs of different types of lung diseases. This blog will discuss what lung disease is, the symptoms to look out for, and how to identify early warning signs of lung disease.

What is Lung Disease? 

Lung disease is a term for a group of conditions that affect the function of the lungs. The signs of lung disease differ from person to person and can be difficult to identify in the early stages. Symptoms can also vary based on gender.

Some common lung diseases include infections like influenza and pneumonia, asthma, emphysema, bronchitis, lung cancer, and pulmonary fibrosis.

What are the Common Signs of Lung Disease

Many different forms of lung disease have similar symptoms, and recognising warning signs early can be crucial for proper treatment. Early signs of lung disease include:

1. Breathlessness: This is a common symptom of lung disease that is often overlooked. While it is a natural response to physical activities like running or exercising, unexplained breathlessness is a warning sign and requires medical attention.
2. A Persistent Cough: While coughs are common, they can be symptoms of several conditions. A persistent cough lasts over three weeks, affects sleep, and can cause fatigue. It is a common sign of lung cancer and other lung diseases. Coughing up bloody, yellow, or green mucus is also a sign to visit a doctor immediately.
3. Weight loss: Unexplained and unintentional weight loss can be a symptom of many respiratory diseases, like lung cancer and COPD. It can result from breathlessness, nausea, or difficulty swallowing caused by the disease.
4. Fatigue: Fatigue refers to a persistent state of tiredness that is not alleviated by rest and sleep. It is also a common sign of lung disease and requires medical attention.
5. Wheezing: This refers to the high-pitched sound made while breathing and is caused by inflammation or narrowing of the airways. It can be a sign of asthma, COPD, or lung cancer.
6. Chest Infections: Regular chest or lung infections can be signs of more serious lung disease. They are caused by bacteria, viruses, and, more rarely, fungi. Some common types include pneumonia (infection of the small air sacs or alveoli) and bronchitis (infection of the large airways or bronchi).
7. Excess Mucus: Mucus or phlegm is produced by the airways to defend against irritants, allergens, and infections. However, an increased build-up of mucus can also be a sign of lung diseases like COPD or bronchiectasis, especially if it lasts longer than a month.
8. Chronic Chest Pain: Chest pain can be a sign of many conditions, including lung disease. If chest pain is extreme or lasts for a month or more, individuals should visit a medical professional immediately.

What are the Common Lung Diseases?

Some common lung diseases include:

1. Asthma: Asthma is an inflammatory lung disease affecting the airways to the lungs. It occurs when the lining of the airways swells, and muscles tighten. Mucus also fills the airways, making it difficult for air to pass through. The most common symptoms are wheezing, coughing, tightness in the chest, chest pain, fatigue, and anxiety or panic.
2. Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD): The term chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (also known as COPD) refers to a collection of progressive lung diseases. It includes chronic bronchitis and emphysema. These conditions can damage the air sacs in the lungs, interfering with the outward flow of air when an individual exhales. When left untreated, they can cause the disease to progress quickly or lead to heart problems and respiratory infections.
3. Lung Cancer: According to an article in the Journal of Thoracic Oncology, lung cancer is a leading cause of cancer-related deaths across the world. Early signs of lung cancer are easy to miss, but early detection is crucial for successful treatment.

Some lung cancer symptoms to watch for include a persistent and worsening cough, coughing up phlegm or blood, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue. Lung cancer is also more prevalent in women than in men. Signs of lung cancer in women are similar to those in men.

How is Lung Disease Diagnosed? 

Pulmonary function tests determine lung capacity, gas exchange, and flow rates. If an individual presents with any of the symptoms above, lung function tests may be conducted to diagnose and monitor the problem. Some standard lung function tests include spirometry, lung volume, lung diffusion capacity, and exercise tests. Abnormal results can indicate the presence of lung disease.

If an individual is experiencing symptoms of lung disease, they should consult a healthcare professional and book a lung test with Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs 

1. What are common signs of lung disease?

Some common signs of lung disease include persistent cough, wheezing, fatigue, chest pain and shortness of breath.