Lung Disease Symptoms

Every problem or illness of the lungs requires its own diagnosis. But many forms of lung disease 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 one of the classic lung disease symptoms. 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 is another of the common lung disease symptoms. 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. See shortness of breath.

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 mucus, 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 or lung 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. Lung 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. Coughing up blood is one of the most serious lung disease symptoms.

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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