Contents
- What are the symptoms of lung disease?
- Breathing difficulties. What are dyspnea?
- Dyspnoea in lung diseases. What can they testify to?
- Lung diseases and persistent cough
- Lung diseases and chest pain
- Lung disease and weight loss
- Lung diseases and fatigue
- Lung diseases and wheezing
- Lung diseases and blood cough
- Lung diseases and chest infections
- Lung diseases and pale skin
- Lung diseases and sputum
Symptoms that indicate a disastrous condition of the lungs are ambiguous, which is why they are often underestimated. Only serious breathing problems, i.e. shortness of breath, are most often recognized as an alarming signal. What symptoms really tell you when your lung disease is just getting started, and which are when it is at an advanced stage? Which are the body’s natural defense mechanism? Or maybe all of them should be urgently consulted with a doctor? We explain.
- Dyspnoea, persistent cough, fatigue, chronic chest pain are just some of the signals that may indicate that our lungs are not doing well
- What other symptoms might be a lung problem? What then happens in the body?
- More information can be found on the Onet homepage.
What are the symptoms of lung disease?
Lung diseases develop very slowly and do not interfere with daily activities for a long time. Often their symptoms are underestimated or confused with other ailments. In seniors, poorly diagnosed ailments are most often associated with the aging process or age-related mobility problems. Symptoms of lung disease include:
- shortness of breath
- persistent cough
- wheezing
- fatigue
- chronic chest pain
- sputum
- chest infections
- coughing up blood
- weight loss
- blue-tinted lips or nails
- pale complexion
- excessive sweating.
If these symptoms persist for a long time or if they worsen, it is a sign that you should see your doctor and have the appropriate tests performed. Especially alarming should be the situation when the above symptoms are accompanied by high body temperature (above 38 degrees Celsius) and the diagnosis of chronic diseases. It must be remembered that untreated symptoms of a disastrous condition of the lungs can lead to serious complications.
Breathing difficulties. What are dyspnea?
Dyspnoea is also known as breathing problems. During their occurrence, one feels discomfort, i.e. a physical and mental inconvenience described as the inability to take a full breath. Sometimes they develop very slowly and imperceptibly, sometimes suddenly and violently.
- When is breathlessness a serious illness? [WE EXPLAIN]
Many factors cause difficulty in breathing, including chronic stress or anxiety. It is worth remembering that a slight, occasional shortness of breath (e.g. as a result of exercise or brisk walking) is not disturbing. This is the body’s natural reaction to intense physical activity – in such a situation, the human body needs more oxygen and energy. However, repeated, undetermined, non-exercise-induced breathlessness may be a sign of lung problems. In this case, prompt diagnosis and medical assistance are essential.
Dyspnea resulting from respiratory diseases requires consultation with a pulmonologist. You can make an appointment quickly and efficiently at a private Arkmedic clinic.
Dyspnoea in lung diseases. What can they testify to?
There are many lung diseases that can be seen as symptoms of breathlessness. These are among others:
- asthma, or bronchial asthma, a chronic lung disease involving narrowing of the airways
- pneumonia – mild or acute inflammation of the lower respiratory tract caused by bacteria (less commonly viruses) and causing fluid or pus to accumulate in the lungs
- chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) – a set of symptoms that limits the efficiency of the airways
- pulmonary embolism – blockage or partial narrowing of the pulmonary artery
- pulmonary hypertension – increase in blood pressure in the vessels, which can even lead to heart failure
- epiglottitis – swelling of the tissue surrounding the windpipe.
If, in addition to breathing difficulties, there are other symptoms indicative of the above-mentioned lung diseases, consult a doctor as soon as possible. Finding the cause at an early stage will allow for the introduction of appropriate treatment.
The work of the lungs can be assisted in the treatment of diseases related to this organ. For this purpose, order the Gima breathing trainer – three-chamber respirogram or the breath trainer with the ability to set the resistance Threshold IMT Philips. You can find both devices on Medonet Market at promotional prices.
Lung diseases and persistent cough
Coughing is a common symptom of colds and flu. It is a bothersome ailment that sometimes lasts a long time, even several weeks. It interferes with everyday functioning and makes it difficult to fall asleep, which results in fatigue and exhaustion. Coughing up yellow, green or blood phlegm should also be considered disturbing.
- Cough – when does it appear and what can it signal?
Coughing episodes can occur at any stage in a person’s life and recur from time to time. It is also often the result of undesirable effects of some drugs, e.g. angiotensin converting enzyme inhibitors. Its chronic, persistent form of unexplained etiology is also the result of serious diseases. In the case of lung problems, it can even be associated with the neoplastic process, so a long-lasting cough of unknown cause, lasting more than three weeks, should not be underestimated.
Lung diseases and chest pain
Chest pain is a symptom of many ailments. These include myocardial infarction or heart disease. Any prolonged pain in this organ is a serious condition that must be diagnosed. When it lasts more than a month, it may be due to inflammation in the lungs.
A characteristic symptom indicating its relationship with respiratory tract diseases is the intensification of the pain focus during deep breaths, coughing and even laughing.
Lung disease and weight loss
Unexplained and undesirable weight loss is in some cases a sign of respiratory disease. It may be a symptom of severe chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or even cancer of this organ. The patient then loses his appetite and often experiences nausea. Moreover, eating meals is hindered by recurrent shortness of breath and increased energy expenditure during the exacerbation of respiratory diseases.
Lung diseases and fatigue
The feeling of constant exhaustion is the most characteristic and most common symptom of lung disease. In healthy people, fatigue is usually short-lived – after a moment of rest or the next day at the latest, they regain their full strength. However, people who experience respiratory problems experience prolonged exhaustion and a lack of physical strength. In their case, relaxation and sleep do not fight exhaustion.
- What can sleep disturbances lead to?
Continued weakness causes a reduction in the ability to concentrate and even loss of memory. It also negatively affects the performance of daily activities and household duties.
Lung diseases and wheezing
The wheezing that is often associated with respiratory diseases may indicate asthma, viral and bacterial pneumonia, bronchitis, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). It is described as a wheezing, whistling, high-pitched, unnatural sound when you exhale.
Because the airways are partially blocked, air does not reach the lungs. Changed breathing is audible especially during increased physical exertion. However, when it is noticed more often, not only during physical work or sports, it is a sign that the lungs are in poor condition.
Lung diseases and blood cough
Certain types of cough are associated with discharge. When blood is additionally observed in it, it is a sign that the state of health is seriously deteriorating. In the case of the respiratory system, it may indicate infection and pulmonary embolism.
- Coughing blood – what could it cause?
Spitting blood is also one of the hallmarks of lung cancer. Coughing up blood from the lungs is mixed with mucus and air, making it easily recognizable by the characteristic gurgling noise.
Find out if you’re at risk of cancer. Make a package of diagnostic tests to assess the risk of cancer.
Lung diseases and chest infections
Chest infections can also worsen respiratory health. They are accompanied by swelling of the respiratory structures. The consequences can be pneumonia (most often caused by bacteria) or bronchitis (caused by viruses). In addition to the swelling of the tissues of the respiratory system, the production of mucus increases, which makes breathing even more difficult.
Lung diseases and pale skin
Seemingly unnaturally fair skin is not always a disturbing symptom. White or gray complexion is often noticed in the elderly or those suffering from anemia. However, this appearance of the skin can sometimes indicate the presence of a serious medical condition. A pale complexion, and a bluish look on lips and nails are some of the symptoms of lung cancer. These symptoms result from insufficient cell oxygenation, i.e. oxygen deficiency in tissues.
Lung diseases and sputum
The production of phlegm by the lungs is the natural defense mechanism against a wide variety of infections. In this way, the body defends itself against foreign substances, e.g. substances that are irritating and allergenic. Therefore, small amounts of this secretion are considered a normal body response.
However, excessive mucus production is also seen in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or bronchiectasis. Long-term persistence of large amounts of discharge can be disturbing and should be consulted with your doctor.