Early symptoms of lung disease may start gradually and grow progressively worse, according to Lab Tests Online, the website for the American Association of Clinical Chemistry. Unusual respiratory symptoms should cause concern for everyone. Lung diseases include lung cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or COPD, pulmonary fibrosis, lung infections, asthma and other respiratory disorders.
Coughing
Coughing protects the body by getting rid of inhaled particles or phlegm, the Merck Manuals Online Medical Library explains. Smokers and people with allergies or respiratory infections often have irritated airways that lead to coughing. Persistent coughing or changes in the way people normally cough may indicate more serious underlying problems. A dry cough may indicate lung disease but can develop gradually, fooling people into thinking it is caused by aging, respiratory infection, asthma or other conditions, according to MayoClinic.com.
Shortness of Breath
Exercise or a sudden burst of action may lead to shortness of breath, but only temporarily. People with lung disease may experience a dramatic increase in breathing rates following little exertion. An increased muscular effort may be required to expand the chest when inhaling or expelling air when exhaling. Tightness in the chest may occur. Breathlessness that occurs with coughing may indicate significant lung damage has already occurred. Seeing a doctor as soon as possible can still lead to proper treatment.
Wheezing
Wheezing results from obstruction of the airways and often occurs in people with asthma and severe allergic reactions. Respiratory infections and acute bronchitis also cause wheezing. Persistent wheezing occurs to people with serious disorders such as COPD, which includes emphysema and chronic bronchitis, and lung cancer. Doctors can detect possible lung disease by listening to a person breathe through a stethoscope. Chest x-rays usually follow to help determine a diagnosis.
Chest Pain
Chest pain that worsens with breathing, changing the body position or exertion may indicate lung disease. However, the symptoms may be caused by other conditions. Chest pains may result from viral or bacterial infections, inflammation of the chest area or cancers from other areas of the body. Many conditions can affect the lungs, but all can be treated promptly by getting an early and accurate diagnosis, according to MayoClinic.com.
