World lung Cancer Day: Don't ignore these symptoms that mimic common illness

Lung Cancer Symptoms Often Misread as Asthma or Allergies (Image: pexels)

Lung cancer continues to be one of the most common causes of cancer death in India and across the globe. Lung cancer can become dangerous, in part, because it can imitate common respiratory ailments, such as those that arise from colds, bronchitis, asthma, or seasonal allergies, among others.

"So many early symptoms go unrecognized because they seem trivial or simply something harmless, and may develop over days to months... So, when those same symptoms last for an unusually long time, they could signify something serious," Dr Minish Jain, Director - Medical Oncology, Ruby Hall Clinic, Pune, said.

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Here are some warning signs you shouldn't ignore: Be mindful of these seven warning signs.

1. Persistent Cough

It is not advised to dismiss a cough, which will last two to three weeks or longer. Although it can be mistaken as a long-lasting viral infection or cough typically experienced on days when a person is a habitual smoker, chronic cough is one of the first and most universal signs of lung cancer.
2. Difficulty in Breathing

When you are struggling to get an oxygenated air when you have overcome a couple of steps or any other simple day to day activities that never bothered you earlier, it is not just a fitness issue. Tumors on the lungs may block the bronchial or result in fluid accumulation around the lungs which makes one out of breath.
3. Chest Pain

Muscle strain or acidity may be considered a common cause of chest discomfort or pain that worsens when a person takes a deep breath, coughs, or laughs. Nevertheless, when pain is persistent and has no explanation, this might be as a result of tumor that exerts pressure on nerves or the chest wall.
4. Recurring Respiratory infections

Bouts of bronchitis or even pneumonia especially in the usual home of the lung can be a red flag. Blockages of airways may be caused by cancer, which becomes a source of infections.
5. Hoarseness or Voice changes

A hoarse voice is normally attributed to either the seasonal flu or strained throat but when persistence of the hoarseness exceeds a few weeks then there is serious likelihood of cancer causing nerve dysfunction of the control to the vocal cords.

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Weight loss and feeling of tiredness are common symptoms that could easily be ignored, or attributed to stress. The changes however can be indication of advanced disease as cancer cells are energy intensive.

7. Blood Coughing

Any moment of blood in your sputum cannot be ignored even in a small amount. It is one of the typical alarm bells and should be immediately addressed in the medical unit.
The mentioned symptoms may obviously appear common, however, when prolonged, they require additional examination. High-resolution CT scans (HRCT) are also recommended by doctors to detect in early stages, particularly among the people who have chronic coughs, and those exposed to pollution, in addition to tobacco users (including those who chew tobacco). The difference can be made by early diagnosis. Don’t wait. Get checked.

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.