lung cancer cough treatment :: Article CreatorLung Cancer Can Affect Non-smokers Too: Hidden Signs You Need To Know
Many non-smokers are under the impression that lung cancer only affects people who smoke, and this belief makes them feel more secure.
Many studies have proven that many people who have never smoked still get lung cancer.
Non-smokers can get lung cancer due to various reasons other than smoking, such as being exposed to secondhand smoke, radon gas, pollution, genetics or harmful chemicals at work.
Unfortunately, lung cancer is difficult to detect because its symptoms usually don't show up until the disease has advanced.
There are some early warning signs, such as persistent cough, that can help detect it sooner.
If a person experiences difficulty in breathing or has shortness of breath, it could be a sign of lung cancer.
Apart from this, chest pain and discomfort could be a sign of lung cancer which may worsen with deep breaths, coughing or laughing.
Although chest pain can have many causes, it is better not to ignore it.
In addition to this, sudden weight loss and constant tiredness can be signs of lung cancer.
Coughing up blood or phlegm with a rust-like colour is another symptoms to be cautious of.
Other possible symptoms of lung cancer include hoarseness, repeated respiratory infections or swollen lymph nodes in the neck or chest.
If you or anyone you know has any of these symptoms, it's important not to delay seeking medical advice as early detection and progress in treatment can greatly increase the chances of recovery.
Causes, Symptoms, Treatment Of Lung Cancer: Don't Ignore These 8 Warning Signs
Your lungs play a vital role in supplying oxygen to your body, which is essential for its proper functioning. To maintain lung health, it is important to avoid smoking, as tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of lung diseases like COPD and lung cancer. Additionally, exposure to polluted air can cause inflammation in the respiratory system, leading to conditions such as asthma and bronchitis.
Protecting your lungs from harmful pollutants and chronic respiratory conditions through good hygiene and vaccinations is crucial. Studies highlight that both smoking and inhaling polluted air can impair lung function. Unfortunately, poor lung health can arise from various factors, says Dr Mohit Saxena, Consultant and HOD, Medical Oncology, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram. "Smoking, pollution, and chronic respiratory conditions can all hamper your lung health. Exposure to tobacco smoke significantly increases the risk of lung damage, while prolonged inhalation of polluted air can lead to chronic inflammation in the respiratory system. It is important to understand the early symptoms." he says.
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Also readUnderstanding lung cancer beyond smoking: It's not just about cigarettes anymore
Dr Saxena shares the early signs of lung cancer:
Persistent cough: A cough that lasts for over three weeks could be a warning sign for serious issue, even with medication or lifestyle changes. While often linked to respiratory infections or minor conditions, it can sometimes be an early sign of lung cancer. If your cough worsens, changes (e.G., becomes deeper or produces phlegm), or persists, consult a doctor immediately.
Blood in cough (Haemoptysis): This happens when a person coughs up blood or blood-streaked sputum, regardless of the amount. Haemoptysis can range from rust-colored mucus to visible blood streaks and may indicate lung damage caused by various conditions. Early detection through imaging and diagnostic tests, such as CT scans or bronchoscopy, is crucial for identifying the underlying cause and ensuring appropriate treatment.
Shortness of breath: Breathlessness during simple activities or exercises can be a sign of lung problems, including lung cancer. Tumors may narrow the airways or cause fluid buildup around the lungs (pleural effusion), limiting their ability to expand. If you experience shortness of breath or notice it worsening, it is important to see a doctor promptly.
Also readCan lung cancer be prevented? Identify the risk factors and survival rates
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Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without changes to diet or exercise suggests the body is using stored energy to feed cancer cells. Cancer can affect metabolism, leading to rapid weight loss. This symptom is often associated with anorexia and asthenia and requires further medical investigation.
Chest pain: Lung cancer can cause persistent or sudden severe chest pain, which may worsen with deep breaths, coughing, or laughing. This pain often results from the tumor pressing on bones, muscles, nerves, or other structures in the chest cavity. If chest pain intensifies, becomes localized, or arises without a clear cause, it is important to seek medical attention.
Chronic respiratory diseases: Inability to clear lung secretions, chronic bronchitis, pneumonia, or recurrent respiratory infections that don't heal or keep recurring may be signs of obstructive lung cancer. Any chronic lung infection or one that doesn't respond to treatment should be reviewed for possible underlying malignancy.
Hoarseness or voice changes: Inability to maintain a clear voice, along with symptoms like nodules, hoarseness, changes in pitch, or difficulty speaking, may result from a tumor pressing on the vocal cords or the recurrent laryngeal nerve. While infections like laryngitis can cause voice changes, if these changes persist for more than two weeks without improvement, further diagnosis is necessary.
Fatigue: Chronic, unexplained tiredness is another early symptom of lung cancer. Cancer affects the body's energy metabolism and causes inflammation in tissues. This persistent fatigue, especially when accompanied by other concerning symptoms, suggests a thorough examination by a doctor.
Early diagnosis and treatment:
Early diagnosis of lung cancer improves the chances of successful treatment and a better outcome. "If caught early, lung cancer can be treated with surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to prevent more severe stages," says Dr Saxena, adding, "Advances in medicine have made treatments more effective and personalised. For advanced cases, chemotherapy and radiation are still useful, either alone or alongside other therapies. Palliative care is also important in severe cases, helping improve quality of life by addressing pain, breathlessness, and fatigue."
Disclaimer: This article, including health and fitness advice, only provides generic information. Don't treat it as a substitute for qualified medical opinion. Always consult a specialist for specific health diagnosis.
Namita S Kalla is a senior journalist who writes about different aspects of modern life that include lifestyle, health, fashion, beauty, and entertainment.
Health Alert: Shoulder Pain Can Be Sign Of Lung Cancer
After a long day at the office or post an intense workout session and some heavy lifting, a shoulder pain is quite common
Thursday January 2, 2025 7:02 PM, Dr. Trinanjan Basu
After a long day at the office or post an intense workout session and some heavy lifting, a shoulder pain is quite common. But, imagine experiencing a continuous discomfort that is not cured by painkillers and quietly impedes your everyday activities.
What if there was another reason behind that persistent ache?
Most people will never think that some types of shoulder pain can be caused by lung cancer, which manifest silently.
The ache in your shoulders might actually be caused by a Pancoast tumour, that develops in the top portion of the lung and may compress nerves that run to the shoulder. Such tumour may cause pain that goes to the shoulder, back, or even arm.
This type of tumour does not cause the usual symptoms like coughing or shortness of breath. Thus, it is important to be able to identify these covert indicators to identify health problems early and start treatment.
The shoulder pain caused by lung cancer is not relieved by rest, heat packs, or other standard pain management techniques. This pain can be severe, throbbing, or moderate, and it can get worse at night, making it harder to sleep.
It is very important to see a health practitioner to rule out any underlying causes, and if the shoulder pain is chronic, inexplicable, and does not follow a distinct pattern of injury or strain.
While lung cancer is known for its ability to masque behind entirely unrelated symptoms, therefore aside from shoulder pain, the following minor signs could be considered worth paying attention to:
Sudden and unexplained weight loss: One of the earliest signs of most malignancies, including lung cancer is sudden and unexpected loss of weight. Consult your physician if you suddenly start losing weight without deliberately reducing the calorie intake through dieting or changes in your lifestyle Persistent Fatigue: Chronic tiredness that lingers for weeks despite rest and relaxation is another red flag to watch out for. It's usually characterized by interference with your ability to engage in daily chores, without it being necessarily linked with increased physical activity. Hoarseness of voice: If the hoarseness or change of voice persists beyond two weeks, it might be from irritation of the vocal cord. While in some cases nerves linked to the voice box can be impacted by lung cancer and result in chronic hoarsenessRecurrent respiratory infections: Pneumonia or bronchitis episodes that are recurrent may be indicative of irritated or blocked airways. It may be due to repeated respiratory problems and vulnerability to infections because of a lung tumour. Swelling in face or neck: Large veins can be compressed to obstruct the flow of blood returning from the head toward the heart by lung cancers; as a result, sometimes people experience bulges on the face or the neck. This is also among the symptoms that have the potential to appear and does so less frequently. Any of the above symptoms along with persistent shoulder pain should not be ignored. Even though shoulder pain alone is rarely an indicator of lung cancer, it should be taken seriously when accompanied by other minor symptoms.
Early diagnosis of early-stage lung cancer can significantly lead to a good outcome for treatment since lung cancer often presents itself with ambiguous, non-specific symptoms.
[The writer, Dr. Trinanjan Basu, is HOD Radiation Oncology, HCG Cancer Center, Borivali, Mumbai.]
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