Timing and other symptoms can play an important role in determining whether your cough is caused by cancer or a respiratory infection, a doctor shared.
It's only a matter of time before the cold snap causes a surge in respiratory infections.
Unfortunately, the season of crunchy colorful leaves comes with colds, flu and other Covid cases, and the sounds of agonizing coughs fill public places.
However, according to a doctor, a cough not only signals respiratory infections, it can be a symptom of something… something much more sinister. In fact, the spontaneous reflex may be a warning sign of lung cancer.
Fortunately, a doctor has revealed how to differentiate a cancerous cough from other benign conditions.
A sure sign of lung cancer is according to the doctor. a painful cough that does not go away. Therefore, time may contain clues.
“If your cough is caused by a fatal disease, it will not go away and will last longer than two or three weeks,” says general practitioner Tatyana Zakharova specially for MedicForum.
As a rule, the cough is present for eight or more than weeks before a diagnosis of lung cancer is made, the doctor noted.
“At first it may be a dry cough, but over time it becomes productive, meaning the cough produces sputum that may be rust-colored or stained with blood.”
Also, if your cough is caused by lung cancer, it is likely , other symptoms will appear.
The doctor recommended paying attention to the following symptoms:
- Fatigue and tiredness
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Hoarse voice
- Trouble swallowing
- Bumps in the neck due to enlarged lymph nodes
- Coughing blood< /li>
- Constant shortness of breath.
She added that any of these symptoms should be investigated by your GP “without delay”.
On the other hand, if your cough is a symptom of a respiratory infection, you will begin to feel unwell and develop the irritating symptoms that we know all too well.
The doctor shared that symptoms such as fever, sore throat, runny nose, sneezing, headache, muscle pain and sinus pressure are likely to accompany colds and flu.
“These symptoms may last one or two weeks but usually go away on their own. They can be treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen and/or paracetamol, as well as decongestants. Steam inhalations and honey-lemon drinks are also useful.”
Catechsia
Although lung cancer affects the pyramidal organs in the chest, the “key” symptoms may also appear in the stomach. Cachexia, or weight loss, is the result of your body not absorbing all the fats, proteins and carbohydrates from the food you eat.
About 60 out of 100 people with lung cancer have loss of appetite and significant weight loss in moment of diagnosis.
Earlier, MedicForum wrote about the signs that indicate vitamin D deficiency.
Important! Information is provided for reference purposes. Ask a specialist about contraindications and side effects and under no circumstances self-medicate. At the first signs of illness, consult a doctor.