Lung conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and lung cancer are some of the leading causes of morbidity worldwide. Despite the lack of attention that pulmonary wellness receives in the media, these conditions can be debilitating, leaving their victims feeling weak, unhappy and at times, helpless.
According to new research, however, chronic lung disease may be even more common than we originally thought. Due to the way that lung diseases like COPD are diagnosed, many people may be suffering with the symptoms without actually receiving any treatment for them.
A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine found that COPD-like symptoms are high in smokers even when those people exhibit normal forced expiratory volume (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC) results. This study calls into question the concept of the “healthy smoker” and suggests that we should all consider our lung health early in life, even if we think we feel fine.
If you experience any of the following, be sure to speak with your pulmonologist about being tested for chronic lung disease.
Chronic Cough
Everyone has a coughing fit at one point or another. It’s a natural response that we use to rid our body of foreign particles, bacteria, mucus and other irritants. But when this cough persists for more than a few weeks, it can be a sign of something far worse than the common cold or the flu.
Short term coughing fits are typically caused by upper respiratory illnesses, seasonal allergies or gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). These symptoms usually subside with medication and plenty of rest. However, if you’ve experienced a cough for several weeks with seemingly no cause, it may be time to visit your doctor.
Shortness of Breath
If you exercise frequently, you know what it feels like to be out of breath. But imagine feeling that kind of breathlessness with little or no aerobic exercise. While shortness of breath can be triggered by things like anxiety or stress, they can also be a sign of chronic pulmonary conditions like asthma or COPD.
High Mucus Production
Your body’s immune system creates a substance called mucus. When bacteria or other foreign substances enter the nose or mouth, mucus traps it and disposes of it before it can cause infection. In a healthy person, mucus production is stable, allowing the person to breathe without choking or coughing up mucus.
COPD, on the other hand, is associated with high mucus or “phlegm” production in the body. This is due to an increase in the number of goblet cells which are responsible for producing the substance. If you’re experiencing more mucus than usual, you may need to go see a doctor.
Exposure to Air Pollution
By far the most common preventable cause of preventable lung disease is exposure to airborne irritants like cigarette smoke, car exhaust, dust or chemicals. Many people are under the impression that if they never smoke, they’ll never contract a lung disease — this couldn’t be farther from the truth.
Unfortunately, in the highly industrialized world that we live in, air pollution is everywhere, even in our own homes. If you think your lungs have never been exposed to harmful irritants, take some time to answer the following questions:
- Have you ever smoked?
- Have you ever lived with or been around a smoker for an extended period of time?
- Do you live in an urban area?
- Have you ever worked in a dusty or dirty environment?
- Have you ever been exposed to indoor cleaning products or other potent chemicals?
If you answered “yes” to any of these questions you may be at risk for chronic lung disease.
Play it Safe
When it comes to the diagnosis of chronic lung disease, it’s always better to play it safe. Recent studies have shown that even people who show normal breathing test results may be experiencing the early signs of debilitating conditions like COPD, asthma and lung cancer.
If you’re concerned about your pulmonary wellness, contact your doctor immediately and ask about lung function tests. Your doctor may advise you to take a spirometry test, lung X-ray, arterial blood gas analysis or a number of other lung tests.