According to the American Lung Association, paying attention to the early signs of pulmonary disease can prevent serious and debilitating illnesses later on. Pulmonary disease affects breathing and how the lungs provide oxygen to the blood and other organs. Without proper oxygen in the blood, the body becomes tired and organs become damaged. Early detection allows patients to treat the lung disease before it becomes more serious and has more lasting effects on the rest of the body.
Chronic Cough
Pay attention to that cough that just won't go away. According to the Mayo Clinic, a cough is considered chronic when it lasts eight weeks or longer. Coughing can be a reaction to obstructions or inflammation in the airways. But a chronic cough could be a sign of asthma, lung infection or another pulmonary disease.
Shortness of Breath
Feeling like you cannot get enough air is call shortness of breath. The Mayo Clinic explains that this can be an early sign of pulmonary disease. It is normal to feel some shortness of breath while exercising heavily or in extreme temperatures. It is not normal, though, to still have trouble catching your breath after you finish exercising, with minimal exertion or in normal temperatures.
Chronic Mucus Production
As a part of its normal defenses, the airways produce mucus in response to infection or irritation. It only becomes a problem when mucus production becomes a chronic problem. According to the Mayo Clinic, mucus production lasting more than a month is considered chronic and could be a sign of a more serious problem.
Wheezing
Wheezing may be a sign that someone is having trouble breathing. This sound is a high-pitched whistling noise made while inhaling that is typically louder when exhaling, according to MedlinePlus. A narrowing of airways or blockage in the airways causes wheezing, and it could indicate a pulmonary disease, explains MedlinePlus.
Coughing Up Blood
The Mayo Clinic reports that several different pulmonary conditions can cause coughing up blood or blood mixed with mucus. The blood can come from anywhere in the respiratory system but, regardless, is a sign of an underlying medical problem.
Chronic Chest Pain
According to the American Lung Association, chest pain lasting a month or more is considered chronic and can be an early sign of pulmonary disease, especially when it becomes worse while coughing or wheezing. This type of pain can come from blockage, inflammation, or injury to the tissues in the lungs and esophagus.
