As we navigate through the ageing process, many of us often ignore health issues. Rather than paying attention to them, we see attributing symptoms as a sign of getting older or being out of shape. However, if you feel something is off with your lungs, it can suggest something serious is going on that shouldn’t be ignored. Early detection goes a long way in helping to treat and manage conditions like lung disease.
If you’re not sure whether to see a doctor or not, here are some signs and symptoms that may signal you have lung disease.
Chronic Cough
When we fall ill with a cold or flu, a cough tends to be one of the most common symptoms. Normally, your cough should subside within a matter of weeks. However, if you have had a cough for 30 days or longer, this is medically known as a chronic cough. Most lung diseases have a chronic cough as one of their main symptoms. You should consider checking out Echelon Health if you have a chronic cough. They can run specialist tests to establish your lungs’ health and potentially diagnosis lung disease.
Shortness of Breath
Most individuals (unless they’re very fit) will get out of breath when doing physical activity or exerting themselves. However, if you find you are getting out of breath in situations that haven’t required much movement, it’s time to see a doctor. Shortness of breath can play a huge part in your overall health and wellbeing, meaning you shouldn’t delay in seeking treatment.
Long-Term Chest Pain
Any feeling of tightness in the chest or unexplained chest pain when breathing in and out must be investigated by your doctor. While most of us experience chest pain at some point or another, if it persists for several weeks and gets worse, this could be a sign of lung disease. Only a medical specialist will be able to diagnose you.
Wheezing
Wheezing or breathing noisily is a signal something could be blocking the airways in the lungs. Another reason for wheezing could be that something is making your airways too narrow. In many cases, wheezing can be caused by COPD, asthma, or bronchitis. Again, only a healthcare professional will be able to examine and diagnose you, so don’t hesitate to get treatment.
Constant Fatigue
With so many of us leading chaotic schedules, it’s normal to feel tired and exhausted. But, if you find you are fatigued every day and struggle to perform the most basic of tasks, it’s time to see a doctor. Constant fatigue is a common symptom of interstitial lung disease. This can have a huge impact on your quality of life, work performance, and social interactions. If you find your energy levels have dipped significantly, now is the time to get yourself checked over.
If you resonate with any of the signs and symptoms above, now is the time to see a doctor and get your lungs checked. These issues can have damaging effects on your day-to-day life and lead to something more serious, so don’t hesitate to book an appointment.
