Beware of silent lung diseases, pulmonologist tells you what to do

Chronic lung conditions like ILD, COPD, and lung cancer often go undiagnosed until late stages. Here’s what you need to know for early detection. (Image: Pexels)

Silent lung conditions are a category of chronic lung disorders that progress slowly and often go undetected until reaching an advanced state. Unlike an acute condition that causes sudden discomfort or pain, these illnesses can silently advance, with symptoms being unclear, occasional or easily attributable to common health problems. This gradual development also is what makes them so deadly, as many people don't seek treatment until their lungs have suffered significant damage.

At the beginning, patients may only have mild symptoms such as shortness of breath, a lingering cough or fatigue. But those warning signs are often dismissed, blamed on stress or an aging body or poor choices. Overlapping symptoms with everyday maladies such as asthma, bronchitis or allergic responses further muddy the waters. Therefore, patients often underestimate the severity of their condition and years have passed in silence.

Speaking on the challenges faced with these silent lung diseases, Dr Shivanshu Raj Goyal, Associate Director & Unit Head – Pulmonology, Respiratory & Sleep Medicine, Max Hospital, Gurugram, told Moneycontrol that “One of the greatest challenges is lack of awareness and timely diagnosis when it comes to fighting silent lung diseases.”

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Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD)

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) is one of the most common and recognized silent lung conditions. The lungs undergo progressive fibrosis over time but show little to no symptoms except for intermittent coughing or gradually increased shortness of breath. ILD may be idiopathic, may be related to some sort of exposure, such as exposure to pigeon droppings, or occur in conjunction with an autoimmune process, such as rheumatoid arthritis.

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is another common cause of silent lung conditions. It is usually a result of long-term dust, smoke, and pollution exposure. The end-stage symptoms of COPD include, breathlessness, cough, and wheezing, which often culminate in an asthma-like diagnosis that delays the diagnosis of COPD and progression of lung injury.

Pulmonary Embolism (PE)

Pulmonary embolism is an all-too-often ignored silent lung condition, particularly in sedentary individuals, individuals flying frequently, or women who are pregnant. Small clots migrate undetected from the legs to the lungs, causing low oxygen levels without any obvious consequences. People typically do not know they have suffered pulmonary embarrassment until a significant drop in their oxygen saturation, sometimes with abrupt chest symptoms, hypotension, or a significant drop in blood pressure.

Lung Cancer – The Silent threat

Lung cancer is another silent but deadly disease, with symptoms that could be easily mistaken for gastritis, TB, or muscle pain; chest pain, unexplained weight loss, lack of appetite, or a bloody sputum that comes and goes. In many cases, we don't see outcomes until lung cancer is diagnosed late in the disease progression.

The Need for Screening and Early Action

Regular health checks are important in addressing these silent concerns. This can be a simple yearly blood test, chest X-ray, or lung function test. If you are over the age of 50, if you are a smoker, or have a history of cancer in your family, low-dose CT chest screening is highly suggested for early detection.

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When to See a Pulmonologist

If you have a cough that lasts over two weeks, a progressive chest pain that is aggravated by a deep breath, or weight loss without reason; then consulting a pulmonologist is important. Silent diseases of the lungs might not present themselves, but if you are screened and seen in time, you can be diagnosed early and treated accordingly.

FAQs on How To Keep Lungs Healthy 

1. What are some symptoms of silent lung conditions?

Silent lung conditions often present with mild symptoms such as shortness of breath, a lingering cough, or fatigue. These symptoms are frequently dismissed or attributed to common health issues, leading to delayed treatment.

2. How does Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) develop?

Interstitial Lung Disease (ILD) involves progressive lung fibrosis with minimal symptoms like intermittent coughing or increasing shortness of breath. It may be idiopathic, related to exposure, or associated with autoimmune diseases.

3. What is Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)?

COPD is a silent lung condition caused by long-term exposure to dust, smoke, and pollution. Symptoms include breathlessness, cough, and wheezing, often mistaken for asthma, delaying diagnosis and treatment.

4. How does Pulmonary Embolism (PE) occur?

Pulmonary embolism arises from small clots migrating from the legs to the lungs, causing low oxygen levels without obvious symptoms. It is common in sedentary individuals, frequent flyers, or pregnant women.

5. Why is early screening for lung conditions important?

Regular health checks like yearly blood tests, chest X-rays, or lung function tests help detect silent lung conditions early. People over 50, smokers, or those with a family history of cancer should consider low-dose CT chest screening for early detection.

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.