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Cancer is one of the leading causes of death globally, and lung cancer is one of the most common among them. It does help to know the warning signs of the disease, so you know how and when to get help as soon as possible. There are many other lung diseases out there, and the more you know about them, the better you can take care of your health.

What Causes Lung Disease?

Before looking at the early warning signs of lung disease, we should understand what causes lung disease. The respiratory system is responsible for providing your blood with oxygen which is essential for many of the body’s physiological processes. The main and largest organs in the respiratory system are the lungs, which lung disease affects. 

Lungs have many parts, including the trachea, alveoli, pulmonary arteries, and pleura. Damage to any of the lung’s constituent parts can lead to lung disease.

Activities contributing to lung disease development include smoking, inhaling harmful gasses like radon, air pollution, and asbestos exposure. Various neuromuscular disorders can also lead to the development of lung disease.

Warning Signs Of Lung Disease

When you have lung disease, there is substantial damage to your lungs. Your body will respond by showcasing various symptoms such as:

Chronic Chest Pain

Pain is one of the most common and effective ways for your body to signal a health problem. When you have lung disease, you will have chronic pains in your chest that might be unexplained and mild at first.

However, it will become more acute, getting worse when you breathe in or cough. Chest pains are also a sign of lung cancer, and getting checked out immediately is excellent for prevention.

Wheezing

Are you producing a high-pitched noise when you breathe? If so, it could be a sign of lung disease. Wheezing is a sign that something is blocking your airway, making air pass through a narrower channel than usual. The result of air passing quickly through an air channel is sound production in your nose and mouth. 

Shortness Of Breath

Shortness of breath after intense exercise is very normal. However, if you have to catch your breath even after strainless activities, it is a sign that you have lung disease. You will usually find it very difficult to breathe in or out after minimal exertion. If so, you should see a doctor for possible lung disease.

Chronic Cough

We have all heard about a smoker’s cough, a chronic cough many cigarette smokers have. They have it because their respiratory system is failing, and if you have a chronic cough, yours may be damaged too.

A chronic cough is a persistent cough that lasts for more than six weeks. A chronic cough is one of the easiest warning signs to spot.

Coughing Up Blood (Hemoptysis)

Speaking of coughing, if you find yourself spitting blood after intense bouts of coughing, it is a sign that you have lung disease. The blood is probably coming from torn or damaged blood vessels in your respiratory system, which is a sign that your lungs and respiratory tract need an urgent checkup. 

Chronic Mucus Production

Our bodies contain mucus, but when there is too much of it, it signals that something is wrong. Lungs produce phlegm or sputum as a defense mechanism against any form of infection or irritation in your lungs. If you have been producing a lot of mucus for a month or longer, it is a sign of lung disease. 

Lung disease is a severe health problem that you need to address immediately. If you are coughing chronically, spitting phlegm, wheezing, constantly coughing blood, and have shortness of breath, it is a sign of lung disease. You should see a medical professional immediately.