Cancer has been a worldwide health issue, and lung cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths globally. It’s approximately accounting for 25 percent of all cancer deaths worldwide.

Lung cancer often shows no symptoms until it’s in its advanced stages. But, persistent coughing is a common symptom of this lethal cancer. In this article, we will discuss persistent coughing and how it may be linked to lung cancer.

What is Lung Cancer?

Lung cancer is a serious medical condition that affects a person’s lungs, which is responsible for supplying oxygen to the body. It often starts in the cells lining the air passages and can spread to other parts of the body.

Generally, there are two types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer and non-small cell lung cancer. The majority of lung cancers are of the non-small cell type.

What are the Causes and Risk Factors?

The primary cause of lung cancer is smoking. The carcinogens in cigarette smoke can damage the DNA in the cells lining the lungs, leading to the development of cancer cells.

Exposure to secondhand smoke, radon gas, asbestos, and air pollution may also increase the risk of lung cancer. Additionally, individuals with a family history of lung cancer and those with a personal history of cancer in any part of the body may be at higher risk of developing the disease.

What are the Symptoms?

Lung cancer often remains undetected until it has spread to other parts of the body. However, there are signs that may indicate the development of the disease, and persistent coughing is one of them. Here are some other common symptoms of lung cancer:.

Chest pain
Shortness of breath
Hoarseness
Wheezing
Coughing up blood or rust-colored sputum
Frequent respiratory infections, such as bronchitis or pneumonia
Unexplained weight loss
Fatigue

How is Lung Cancer Diagnosed?

If you have symptoms of lung cancer, your doctor may recommend several tests to confirm the diagnosis and evaluate the stage of the cancer. These tests may include:.

Chest X-ray
CT scan
PET scan
Sputum cytology
Biopsy

Link Between Persistent Coughing and Lung Cancer

A persistent cough, i.e., a cough that lasts longer than three weeks is one of the common symptoms of lung cancer, especially non-small cell lung cancer. This type of coughing may happen throughout the day or worsen at night.

Coughing often gets undermined as a minor health problem, and people usually self-medicate or ignore it. However, persistent coughing, especially with other symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, and fatigue, should not be taken lightly. It may indicate the early stages of lung cancer.

While persistent coughing may not necessarily always be a sign of lung cancer, it can indicate other health problems such as asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pneumonia, or bronchitis.

However, if you have persistent coughing, you should get it checked by a doctor, especially if it lasts for more than three weeks and worsens over time. Many lung cancer patients disregard the symptoms as allergic reactions, colds, or flu, and do not seek medical help until it’s too late.

Preventative Measures.

Lung cancer prevention begins with lifestyle changes. The following are several steps that you can take to lessen your chances of developing lung cancer:.

Quit smoking or never start smoking
Avoid secondhand smoke
Test your home for radon gas
Avoid hazardous chemicals in the workplace
Drink plenty of water
Eat a variety of fruits and vegetables
Exercise regularly
Maintain a healthy weight

In Conclusion

Persistent coughing may indicate a severe health issue, especially when accompanied by symptoms such as shortness of breath, chest pain, fatigue, and weight loss.

Lung cancer can be diagnosed using several tests, and its treatment plans are based on the type and stage of the disease. However, lung cancer can be prevented through several lifestyle changes.