Eight Warning Signs of Unhealthy Lungs You Should Not Ignore
Your body often displays subtle changes when your lungs are not functioning well. Below we have compiled the list of early warning signs that should prompt you to get medical help in time, such as:
1. Persistent or Chronic Cough
A cough lasting more than three to eight weeks is called a chronic cough. It may be a sign of infections, asthma, chronic bronchitis, or other lung conditions. A persistent cough, particularly if it gets worse with time, should never be disregarded.
2. Shortness of Breath
You will be out of breath if you push your body to its limit during exercise. So, if you find it difficult to breathe while doing normal activities such as walking, talking, or resting, then this is not normal. It may be a sign of decreased lung function, airway obstruction, or lung disease.
3. Excessive Mucus or Phlegm
One of the functions of mucus is to keep your lungs safe. However, if you are seeing phlegm continuous, it indicates chronic inflammation or infection, specially if it’s thick, has a color, or is persistent.
4. Wheezing or Noisy Breathing
If you hear a whistling or wheezing sound while you breathe, it indicates your airways might be blocked or gotten narrowed. People with allergies, asthma, or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) usually have this symptom.
5. Chest Pain or Tightness
Unexplained chest pain during breathing or coughing is one of the symptoms of lung inflammation, infections, or any other lung problems. If you have constant chest pain, then you should visit a doctor.
6. Coughing Up Blood
It is a severe symptom if you see blood in your mucus even if it is just a tiny amount. This problem may be caused by an infection, lung damage, or a significant condition, so you need to be seen by a doctor immediately.
7. Frequent Respiratory Infections
Having several infections in the chest, bronchitis, or pneumonia can lead to the loss of lung function and may be a sign of a respiratory condition that has not been discovered yet.
8. Fatigue and Reduced Stamina
The body gets tired and weak when the lungs are not able to supply sufficient oxygen. The combination of persistent tiredness and breathing problems is one of the signs of poor lung health.