How to identify lung cancer based on cough?

Cough and cold are common allergies that occur seasonally or some peak months in the year. They may be due to the weather changes, some infections or some may be affected owing to the their bodies do not accept certain environmental conditions. 

I have heard many people suffer from coughs owing to their body's reaction to dust. So these are general causes and this seasonal cough may last from 3 days to 2 weeks. It may not be a matter of major concern as goes with time. 

Coughing is an automatic response that helps remove foreign objects, mucus, and irritants from the throat and airways. Numerous things, including respiratory infections, allergies, asthma, and exposure to smoke and pollution, can cause it. Both dry and productive coughs—those that produce mucus—can occur. 

Generally, most coughs are transient and go away in a few weeks, but if an adult or child's cough persists for more than eight weeks or four weeks, it could be a sign of an underlying illness like bronchitis, asthma, or even more serious problems like lung cancer. Monitoring is crucial for a chronic cough, particularly if it is accompanied by symptoms like dyspnoea, chest pain, or blood in the cough, as these may need medical treatment. 

In this blog, we will have an understanding of how a regular cough is different from a serious one, which may be indicative of lung cancer along with its symptoms.

How normal cough can be differentiated from cough in Lung Cancer? 

The normal cough, typically brought on by transient conditions like the flu, colds, allergies, or little irritants, goes away in a few days to a few weeks. Rest or over-the-counter medications usually help to relieve the symptoms, which typically include fever, congestion in the nose, and sore throat. A lung cancer cough, on the other hand, is chronic, lasts longer than eight weeks, and gets worse with time. It can occasionally produce blood (hemoptysis) or discolored mucus, which can be dry or prolific. Furthermore, additional worrisome symptoms like exhaustion, shortness of breath, chest pain, and unexplained weight loss sometimes accompany a lung cancer cough. A chronic cough associated with lung cancer doesn't go away quickly, unlike common coughs, which are mostly benign. 

Symptoms of Lung Cancer: 

Depending on the stage and nature of the disease, the main symptoms of lung cancer might change, but typical indications include: 

Continued Coughing 

An ongoing cough or one that gets worse with time. It can be dry, or it might spit out blood or mucus. 

Throwing Up Blood (Haemoptysis) 

Even little blood streaks in the mucus can be a warning indication if the patient coughs up small amounts of blood. 

Breathlessness 

Respiratory problems or shortness of breath during routine activities brought on by an obstruction in the airways or an accumulation of fluid in the lungs. 

Chest pain: 

Discomfort that can get worse when you laugh, cough, or breathe deeply. 

Inexplicable Drop in Weight 

Without diet or activity modifications, abrupt and noticeable weight loss may indicate that Cancer is being fought by the body. 

Exhaustion 

Continual fatigue or weakness that does not go away when you rest. 

Sighing 

A whistling sound is made when breathing which could happen if the airways are irritated or clogged. 

Sibilant tone 

A harsh or raspy voice may result from cancer affecting the nerves that regulate the voice box. 

Frequently Acquired Infections 

Reduced lung function may be the cause of recurrent respiratory illnesses such as pneumonia or bronchitis. 

Arm, neck, or facial swelling 

This can happen if a tumor presses against a vein (superior vena cava obstruction) that returns blood to the heart from the head and upper body. 

It's critical to get medical attention as soon as possible if any of these symptoms worsen, particularly in those who have risk factors like smoking or exposure to dangerous chemicals. 

Who is more at risk of lung cancer? 

Individuals with Past Lung Conditions 

Lung cancer is more common in people with diseases like tuberculosis, pulmonary fibrosis, and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). 

Exposure to Air Pollution 

Lung cancer risk can be increased by prolonged exposure to high amounts of air pollution, especially in urban areas or close to industrial facilities. 

Smokers 

85–90% of occurrences of lung cancer are caused by smoking, making it the most common cause. A person's risk increases with the length of time and amount of smoke they consume. Cigars, cigarettes, and pipe smokers fall within this category. 

Prior Smokers 

People who used to smoke in the past and now have left smoking are not even far from the risk of lung cancer.  Though the chances are far less than the previous ones, yes risk factor persists. 

Family history : 

Another prominent factor is your family history, you can never escape your genes and your generations will carry the genes for a longer period. An increased risk may arise from shared genetic and environmental variables in those with a family history of lung cancer, particularly in immediate relatives such as parents and siblings. 

Individuals with a Family History of Lung Cancer 

An increased risk may result from shared genetic and environmental variables for those with a family history of lung cancer, particularly in immediate relatives (parents, siblings). 

Exposure to Dangerous Substances at Work 

One's risk increases if one works in an environment where one is exposed to carcinogens such as asbestos, radon gas, diesel exhaust, arsenic, or other dangerous compounds. These comprise laborers in factories, mines, and construction. 

Breach of Radon Gas 

Homes and buildings may acquire radon, a naturally occurring radioactive gas. Even non-smokers are at increased risk of developing lung cancer from prolonged exposure to high levels of radon. 

When to consult a physician for cough? 

If your cough lasts longer than two to three weeks, especially if it seems to be getting worse or is accompanied by other symptoms, it's crucial to see a doctor. A persistent cough, however, may be a sign of something more serious, such as an infection, a chronic lung ailment, or even cancer. A usual cough may go away on its own. You should get medical help right away if you experience chest pain, mucous discoloration, blood in your cough, or shortness of breath. It's also important to see a doctor if your cough is accompanied by wheezing, weight loss, or inexplicable weariness. To guarantee that you receive the best care, an early medical evaluation can help detect possible underlying reasons and prevent problems. 

In conclusion, it's crucial to pay attention to particular warning indicators while diagnosing lung cancer from a cough. A prolonged cough that lasts longer than a few weeks may be a warning sign, particularly if it gets worse or changes in type. The three main warning signs that need to be taken seriously include coughing up blood, having chest pain, or becoming short of breath. The concern is increased by accompanying symptoms like weariness, recurrent respiratory infections, or inexplicable weight loss. Coughing by itself does not always indicate lung cancer, but identifying these patterns and getting evaluated right once is essential for early identification and better results.  For any cancer-related queries, you can visit Kingman Oncology a team of cancer care consultants, you can connect to us via our website also. Kingman Oncology is a renowned medical oncology clinic recognized to provide you with the best services.