Lung damage can happen for many reasons, and the symptoms can manifest in different ways. The lungs are delicate organs that need protection. But many people ignore the warning signs of lung damage until it’s too late.
If you experience any of the following symptoms, contact your doctor right away to determine if you have lung damage and how to best treat it.
1. Shortness of Breath
Shortness of breath can be a sign of many health issues, including lung damage. If you are struggling to breathe or catching your breath after minimal activity, it’s essential to seek medical attention.
Air should move smoothly in and out of your lungs, but when you have lung damage, this can become difficult.
You might also feel breathless or tightness in your chest that might indicate that the lung walls, bronchioles, or delicate tissues that deliver oxygen are compromised.
2. Coughing
Coughing is a common symptom of lung damage. A dry cough or cough with phlegm could indicate damaged Alveoli and can lead to several lung issues, including lung damage.
Your body produces mucus in response to inflammation and irritation, and when you have a product of mucus-building up, coughing is the body’s way of removing it from the lungs.
If you observe blood in a cough, it’s essential to see a doctor as this might indicate lung damage caused by cancer, pneumonia, or other infections.
3. Wheezing
When you have lung damage, breaths might become a struggle. Wheezing – a high-pitched whistling sound when you breathe – could indicate lung damage.
This sound might indicate a narrowing of the airways, which happens when the walls of the bronchiolitis become inflamed due to any reason such as asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD).
4. Chest Pain
Chest pain is a common symptom of lung damage when the damaged tissues, bronchiolitis or lungs become inflamed. The chest pain will become more severe as the condition advances.
If you are experiencing chest pain, it’s best to see a doctor as soon as possible.
5. Fatigue
The inability to breathe well can be exhausting. And when that occurs, it can be challenging to be active or complete daily activities.
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If you suffer lung damage, you might experience fatigue due to the amount of energy the body is putting in to work harder to breathe.
This fatigue may worsen as the lung damage progresses, leading to daily tiredness and early exhaustion.
6. Lack of Appetite
The metabolic process in the body is dependent on the amount of oxygen intake. When the oxygen taken into the lungs reduces as a result of lung damage, the metabolic process is reduced. Reduced metabolic activity affects the digestive system.
Loss of appetite is a common symptom of lung damage.
7. Swelling and Edema
If the lungs are not properly functioning, the oxygen that is expected to be delivered to the blood would decrease. And when this happens, it can lead to swelling in different parts of the body, including the ankles, legs, and feet.
Swelling and edema can cause discomfort and make everyday tasks difficult. It is necessary to see a doctor if you are experiencing swelling, as it could indicate additional health concerns besides lung damage.
8. Blue Fingernails or Lips
When the lungs are not getting enough oxygen, blue or purple nails and lips might appear. This condition is referred to as cyanosis. The discoloration occurs due to the low oxygen level in the bloodstream.
Cyanosis can be an indication of life-threatening complications in the lungs, and it is essential to seek medical attention right away if you observe this.
9. Sudden Headaches
Headaches accompanied by shortness of breath could indicate lung damage. This is because as the amount of oxygen in the bloodstream decreases, the brain does not get enough oxygen and pressure can build up in the skull.
A sudden, severe headache can indicate many health problems, including lung damage. If you suddenly experience an intense headache, and you think you might be experiencing lung damage, see a doctor right away.
10. Rapid Heartbeat
The lungs and heart are closely related. The amount of oxygen in the bloodstream determines the rate at which the heart beats. When the bloodstream lacks oxygen, the heart beats faster to make up for it.
The heart pumping faster than normal may indicate lung damage, and it’s essential to seek medical attention to avoid further complications.
