The lungs play an indispensable role in keeping us alive by facilitating respiration. Consequently, any lung abnormalities can significantly hamper one’s health and even lead to life-threatening conditions if not diagnosed and treated early. Nearly 14% of individuals in the country reported chronic lung disease. But, on the bright side, timely intervention can help prevent lung disease from worsening. So, here are some early signs of lung disease to watch out for:

Wheezing
Lung diseases typically cause the airways to narrow down, leading to their inflammation. Such narrowing of the airways blocks the supply of oxygen to the lungs, causing a wheezing sound when one breathes. Wheezing is a common symptom of asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Although wheezing is not life-threatening, it can be a symptom of potentially serious conditions; thus, such symptoms should not be ignored.

Chest tightness
Some lung conditions lead to the formation of a blood clot in the lung, known as pulmonary embolism. This symptom can cause chest pain and tightness due to blockage of blood flow to the lungs.

Fatigue
Lung conditions like COPD can cause extreme fatigue, as the body must exert considerable effort to perform basic tasks like breathing. Moreover, the absence of oxygen and surplus carbon dioxide in the body due to breathing problems can cause a condition called “lung fatigue,” characterized by low energy levels and constant tiredness.

Chronic cough
Asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, COPD, and postnasal drip typically cause a chronic cough. Such coughing is often more prevalent at night than during the day. Individuals with severe nighttime cough for over a week should consult a doctor.

Shortness of breath
Dyspnea or shortness of breath is a common symptom of diseases like asthma, COPD, and pulmonary embolism, besides being associated with other conditions like anemia, heart problems, and cholesterol.

Discomfort during inhalation and exhalation
A tell-tale sign of lung disease is discomfort during inhalation, exhalation, or both. Such discomfort is caused by inflammation of the air passageways, a significant symptom of many lung diseases, including asthma and COPD.

Mucus formation
Chronic bronchitis and asthma typically entail the production of mucus, together with other symptoms like constant coughing and shortness of breath.

Swollen ankles or feet
Swelling in the feet or ankles may indicate severe COPD or, more specifically, pulmonary hypertension. This condition occurs due to elevated blood pressure in the lung blood vessels and can lead to mobility issues with time.

Fever
The accumulation of fluid or pus in the air sacs can lead to pneumonia, characterized by fever, chills, shortness of breath, and sweating.

Breathlessness after a physical activity
The feeling of not getting enough air after a workout session can be a sign of exercise-induced bronchoconstriction or asthma, involving the narrowing of the airways following intense physical activities. Some other symptoms of exercise-induced asthma are wheezing and coughing. In addition, many individuals may begin avoiding exercise upon experiencing such symptoms.

Tips to Avoid Lung Problems

Improve air quality at home
Following simple air-purification practices, such as vacuuming the home regularly and cleaning surfaces with a damp cloth, can help enhance air quality significantly. Changing the ducts and filters of the AC is also essential to ensure air purification.

Chalk out a healthy meal plan
A meal plan rich in foods like leafy green vegetables, pumpkin, apples, blueberries, oysters, and fatty fish is essential to facilitate lung health.

Avoid sugary foods
A meal plan high in sugar can increase inflammation, increasing one’s susceptibility to COPD. Thus, limiting or avoiding refined sugar is best, replacing it with natural-sugar sources like fruits and fresh fruit juices.

Stay away from processed foods
Processed foods like fried and salted items can cause bloating, increasing pressure on the diaphragm and leading to problems like cholesterol. Such issues can worsen lung conditions. Individuals susceptible to or suffering from lung disease should avoid processed foods like cold cuts, chips, and chocolate, switching to healthier complex carbohydrates and healthy fats.

Practice aerobics and breathing exercises
Aerobic activities like running and jogging can ensure better heart and lung health. In addition, one should practice breathing exercises to increase oxygen levels and facilitate better breathing. Some practical breathing exercises include pursed-lip breathing, alternate nostril breathing, belly breathing, and equal breathing.