Lung cancer is a malignant tumor that develops in the lungs, interfering with proper lung function. The disease is primarily caused by smoking, exposure to air pollution, and family history. One of the common symptoms of lung cancer is fever.

However, not all individuals who develop lung cancer experience a fever. A study has shown that people with lung cancer have higher breathing temperatures compared to those without the condition. This article will focus on how a person’s breathing temperature can indicate lung cancer.

What is a Breathing Temperature?

Before discussing how breathing temperature can indicate lung cancer, it is essential to define what a breathing temperature is first. Breathing temperature is the temperature of the exhaled air produced by a person after taking a deep breath.

The temperature can be measured through a thermometer placed at the opening of the nostrils. Usually, a person’s breathing temperature ranges from 31 to 36 degrees Celsius. When an individual is sick, their breathing temperature can be higher than this range.

People with Lung Cancer Have Higher Breathing Temperature

Research has discovered that people with lung cancer have higher breathing temperatures compared to those without the illness.

A study conducted by the University of Leicester in the UK measured the exhaled breath temperature of 82 patients who have lung cancer and 155 healthy individuals. The result showed that the average breath temperature of people with lung cancer was 34.8℃, while those without the disease had an average of 34.4℃.

The study suggests that measuring a person’s breathing temperature can be a potential tool in diagnosing lung cancer.

The relationship between breathing temperature and lung cancer is not yet fully understood. However, some theories exist that attempt to explain this relationship.

One theory is that lung cancer cells produce chemicals that generate heat, elevating the exhaled breath’s temperature. Normally, the body regulates its temperature through sweating, but when lung cancer develops, it interferes with the body’s thermoregulatory system and results in an abnormal rise in body temperature.

An elevated breathing temperature is also associated with inflammation. Inflammation is the body’s response to tissue damage, infection, or irritants.

Lung cancer cells release chemicals that trigger an inflammatory response, leading to an increase in breathing temperature as the body tries to fight off infection through inflammation.

Other Symptoms of Lung Cancer to Watch Out For

While a higher breathing temperature can indicate lung cancer, it is not the only symptom to watch out for. The following symptoms are also commonly associated with lung cancer:.

Coughing up blood
Chest pain that worsens when breathing or coughing
Chronic cough that does not go away
Fatigue and weakness
Shortness of breath
Unexplained weight loss

If you experience any of these symptoms, it is best to consult your doctor and undergo further examination, including chest x-ray, CT scan, or biopsy, to determine if you have lung cancer.

Cancer Screening

Early detection of lung cancer is crucial in increasing the chances of successful treatment. One way to detect lung cancer early is through a cancer screening test.

A screening test is a test done to detect the presence of a disease before symptoms appear. There are two types of cancer screening tests:.

Low-Dose CT Scan: A CT scan is a special x-ray that takes multiple images of the body to create a detailed image. A low-dose CT scan is a cancer screening test that uses a smaller amount of radiation compared to a regular CT scan.
Sputum Cytology: Sputum cytology is a test that examines the mucus coughed up from the lungs under a microscope to look for cancer cells.

Screening is recommended for people who are at high risk of lung cancer, such as those who have a family history of the disease, a history of smoking, and those exposed to air pollution at the workplace.

Consult your doctor to determine if you are at high risk and if you should undergo a cancer screening test.

Preventing Lung Cancer

Preventing lung cancer is better than treating it. Some measures that can reduce the chances of developing lung cancer include:.

Avoiding smoking and exposure to secondhand smoke
Wearing a mask and having proper ventilation in workplaces with air pollution
Eating a healthy diet
Regular exercise
Limiting alcohol consumption

There is no sure way to prevent lung cancer, but some lifestyle changes can help reduce the chances of developing the illness.

Conclusion

Breathing temperature can indicate lung cancer, and people with the disease have a higher breathing temperature compared to those who do not.

While measuring a person’s breathing temperature is still an innovative tool, other symptoms and diagnostic tests should also be considered in diagnosing lung cancer. Early detection of the disease through cancer screening and preventing the disease by adopting a healthy lifestyle can reduce the chances of developing lung cancer.