Lung Disease Symptoms
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Identifying a lung disease symptom
Every problem or illness of the lungs requires its own
diagnosis. But many lung diseases have common symptoms. If you
beginning to experience any of the following conditions, it may
be a lung disease symptom. If the symptom persists for an
unsuual length of time, consult a doctor.
Chronic coughing is a classic lung disease
symptom. Coughing is a way to clear the lungs of substances
that shouldn't be in your respiratory system, like mucous or
toxins.
Dyspnea or shortness of breath might be a
lung disease symptom. Many people shrug off shortness of
breath, thinking they're just out of shape or simply getting
older. Dyspnea should not be taken lightly because it may not
just be a lung disease smptom, but could also be a symptom
of a number of problems, including heart disease.
Wheezing occurs when airways become
narrowed or obstructed, causing an unusual high pitched sound
during breathing. It's often caused by inflammation, an
accumulation of mucous, or when a foreign substance has found
its way into an air passage. Chronic wheezing is could
definitely be a lung disease symptom.
Chest pain can be a symptom of a number of
serious diseases related to the lungs and other organs. Never
ignore pains in the chest area or brush them off as heartburn
(acid reflux) or muscle soreness. Chest pain might also
indicate a lung infection if it is accompanied by cough or
fever. See a doctor as soon as possible if you are experiencing
chest pain.
Coughing up blood, or hemoptysis If you
begin to cough up anything frothy and pink, mucous with bloody
streaks or clots, or pure blood, it's probably a symptom of a
problem that requires immediate attention. This is one of the
most serious lung disease symptoms.
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Blue or purplish tint to the skin, especially
around the lips and nail beds This is known as
cyanosis, and it's a classic lung disease symptom
because indicates that the blood is not getting enough
oxygen. Cyanosis can happen suddenly if some form of lung
disease is acute, or it can happen gradually over a period of
time as lung disease progresses.
Swelling can be another lung disease
symptom, especially if it appears in the arms, legs, and
ankles. This is why a doctor will check your ankles during a
routine physical examination.
Acute respiratory failure occurs when the lungs no longer
provide oxygen for the blood, or when the lungs can no longer
remove carbon dioxide from the blood. It is a
dangerous lung disease symptom, and it requires immediate
attention. Respiratory failure may be the result of massive
infection, lung inflammation, cessation of the heartbeat, or
severe lung disease.
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