ReadersAisle.com | Reliable Information Simplified

12 common signs of poor lung health

An occasional cough or slight wheezing after climbing up a flight of stairs is normal. However, if there is a constant breathing issue, it can be a sign of weak lungs. This can happen due to several undiagnosed respiratory conditions, such as asthma, pneumonia, pulmonary edema, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary embolism, bronchitis, and pulmonary fibrosis. Several common symptoms usually precede all of these conditions. Here are a few common signs indicating weak lungs.

Difficulty in exercising
One of the most common signs of poor lung health is experiencing difficulties while exercising. Whether running, walking, swimming, cycling, or just running a flight of stairs, it becomes difficult to do any exercise routine. Doing any physical activity makes one out of breath pretty quickly. This happens when the lungs are weak and cannot breathe enough oxygen. As a result, the oxygen levels drop, making one breathless sooner.

Pain in the shoulders
This is one of the most easily recognizable symptoms of pulmonary embolism and lung cancer. It is a sharp pain that shoots up near the neck. Over time, it radiates towards the upper arm and the upper back. The pain starts from forming a blood clot or tumor in any of the lungs’ arteries. As a result, there is blockage against blood and oxygen flow. This triggers the pain indicating declining lung health.

Excess mucus in the throat
Various lung conditions can result in the overproduction of mucus in the nasal passage and throat, leading to a thick layer of mucus in the chest or lungs that persists for over a month. This can range from mild lung infections to more severe cases of pneumonia. The body typically produces excess phlegm as a defense against irritants or infections. It’s advisable to seek guidance from a medical professional if you experience chronic mucus production.

A change in voice
When the lungs are weak, they lose their ability to exhale air efficiently due to a lack of strength, causing a change in one’s voice where the voice becomes softer. This can also happen due to a condition known as paradoxical vocal cord dysfunction. Because of this condition, the vocal cords do not function normally, changing how one’s voice sounds. The symptoms are similar to that of asthma.

Shortness of breath
Asthma, pulmonary hypertension, COPD, and pulmonary fibrosis can cause shortness of breath. Sometimes, an infection of the lungs can also cause one to feel short of breath. If one experiences this symptom for weeks or months, it is essential to consult a primary care doctor. The doctor can determine the exact cause of this symptom by noting the duration for which one feels breathlessness.

Frequent wheezing
Wheezing is strained or noisy breathing. It is generally indicative of something blocking the airwaves in the lungs. It can also be a sign of the airways becoming narrow. The wheezing becomes worse at night, disrupting sleep. In some cases, severe wheezing is experienced after doing any physical activity. This symptom is usually observed among those with asthma, pneumonia, bronchitis, and COPD.

Pain in the chest
If chest pain lasts more than a couple of weeks or more than a month, it can be a sign of poor lung health. In such situations, paying attention to when pain intensity becomes severe is essential. For example, some people experience extreme chest pain when laughing or coughing. Taking deep breaths can also cause some pain.

Chronic cough
A cough that lasts for a couple of weeks due to flu or sore throat is normal. However, a chronic cough lasting over a month could mean the lungs are not functioning normally. It can be a symptom of an underlying respiratory condition. It can indicate asthma, COPD, lung infection, and pulmonary fibrosis. Chronic cough can also be a symptom of prolonged asbestos exposure in rare cases.

Lips or fingernails appear blue
Blue fingernails or lips are a symptom of cyanosis. It is a condition that occurs due to low oxygen levels in the blood. This happens when the function of the lungs is disrupted due to a respiratory disorder or disease. As a result, the lungs cannot draw in enough oxygen required by the body. Whenever one’s lips or fingernails appear bluer than usual, it is recommended to insult a medical practitioner, specifically a pulmonologist, immediately.

Chronic fatigue
Poor lung health can bring down the level of oxygen in one’s blood. Moreover, constant coughing, wheezing, and breathlessness can take a toll on the body. All of these factors can make one feel fatigued. When the symptoms become severe, the constant tiredness doesn’t disappear even after a restful sleep.

Frequent respiratory infections
Recurring lung infections can be a sign of poor lung health. One has a severe underlying lung condition when the symptoms of pneumonia or bronchitis return or do not go away for a long time. Frequent reinfections can also occur when the lungs’ airways are blocked by something, such as a clot or a tumor.

Coughing up blood
If one experiences this symptom, it is essential to seek immediate medical help. Blood in a cough is a sign of a severe health condition. In most cases, infections such as bronchitis can cause one to cough up blood. But in rare cases, lung cancer can also cause a person to experience this symptom. Similarly, it can indicate a more life-threatening condition, such as a pulmonary embolism requiring emergency care.

If any of the symptoms occur, prepare for a visit to the nearest healthcare professional. Make a list of all the prescriptions that you may be using. Also, note the symptoms you may have and note which ones trouble the most. This way, you can get a better diagnosis of the condition, also aiding the medical expert to formulate a proper treatment plan for you.

Popular Reads

Top 6 foods that may reduce dementia risk

Many individuals mistakenly believe that dementia is a disease, but it’s a term used to describe symptoms related to memory, social abilities, and thinking. These symptoms can be challenging to manage and can impact daily activities. However, healthcare professionals often recommend implementing a healthy meal plan as a way to improve management. If you’re interested in learning about how your food intake can reduce the risk of developing dementia, read on. What is dementia? As previously mentioned, dementia is not a specific disease. Instead, health conditions like Alzheimer’s disease are among its most frequent causes in older adults. Other known causes of dementia include damage to the blood vessels that supply nutrients to the brain, the formation of balloon-like proteins in the brain, and the breakdown of connections and nerve cells in the brain. While memory loss is one of its most recognizable signs, this symptom alone does not mean one has dementia. Most symptoms of this group of health issues can vary depending on the cause. Hence, here are some of the most common signs to look out for. Memory loss Difficulties while communicating Reasoning and problem-solving issues Poor control of movements and coordination Disorientation Confusion What are the foods that can help reduce the risk of dementia? Typically, dementia and Alzheimer’s are known to be caused by a combination of several factors, such as environmental, lifestyle, and genetic. Furthermore, developing issues such as high blood pressure, diabetes, and heart disease can contribute to cognitive decline in patients. Therefore, healthcare professionals suggest the consumption of nutrient-rich foods to reduce dementia risk as one grows older. Some of the foods that can be added to one’s meal plan are: Avocados Avocados are one of the most commonly known superfoods, which can provide the brain with the needed energy without a spike in blood sugar levels.

Avoid these 15 common shower mistakes

There is nothing a warm shower cannot resolve. Showering after a long day can be a stress reliever and enhance one’s mood instantly. It also has several other health benefits besides cleansing the body, including facilitating cold relief, boosting immunity, and relieving muscle pain. However, not bathing the right way can give rise to skin conditions such as rashes and eczema. Here are some common mistakes one should avoid while bathing and showering: Not moisturizing after a shower Wiping after a bath can reduce the body’s moisture, causing dry skin, which can lead to rashes and itching. Dermatologists recommend applying body lotion and moisturizer immediately after a shower to retain skin texture and prevent dryness. One should look for hypoallergenic moisturizers that do not have any added fragrances. Bathing in scorching hot water Scorching hot water can damage keratin cells in the skin’s outer layer. Consequently, the skin becomes dry and dehydrated. It is important to balance the water temperature before stepping into the shower. Ideally, the temperature of the water should be lukewarm. Using the wrong towel An absorbent towel that does not feel rough is ideal for wiping oneself after a shower. The most effective way to select the right towel is to check its density, measured in grams per square meter (GSM). Towels with GSMs between 400 and 550 are considered ideal for use after bathing. One should avoid towels below a GSM of 400, as these towels can be thin and rough, causing skin dryness. Moreover, towels made of superior-quality Egyptian or Turkish cotton are extremely soft and perfect for the skin. Soaping the arms and legs excessively While it is important to wash and clean one’s arms and legs, these areas typically do not collect much oil and dust. Hence, scrubbing them excessively can dry out these areas and hamper their natural texture.

15 signs of a weak immune system

The immune system is a complex network of organs, cells, and proteins that act as the body’s defense mechanism against diseases and infections. The system —the innate immune system that people are born with and the adaptive immune system, which develops due to exposure to toxins and microbes. Both parts work together to keep infection-causing germs and toxins. So, weak immunity can make the body susceptible to diseases and other health issues. High stress levels The American Psychological Association suggests that chronic stress weakens the immune system. This is because stress lowers the number of white blood cells (i.e., lymphocytes) in the body that fight infections, increasing the risk of infections such as the common cold. Persistent cold Most adults develop two to three colds per year, which usually last from 7 to 10 days. During this period, the immune system forms antibodies to fight the virus. However, if one keeps catching a cold or is dealing with common cold symptoms for a long time, it could be a sign of weak immunity. Slow-healing wounds When one develops a cut or a wound, the body immediately goes into damage control mode to stop any bleeding and regenerate skin. Immune cells in the body guide this process. However, when dealing with a weakened immune system, wounds take longer to heal. This can make one more susceptible to infections as well. Frequent infections Those with a lowered immunity are at a higher risk of contracting infections such as pneumonia, meningitis, bronchitis, and skin infections. They are also more likely to experience autoimmune disorders, organ inflammation, blood disorders such as anemia, and growth and developmental delays. According to the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma, and Immunology, some signs of weak immunity include: – Having more than four ear infections in a year – Developing pneumonia twice within a year – Dealing with chronic sinusitis or more than three episodes of bacterial sinusitis in a year Fatigue If one constantly feels tired despite getting enough sleep, it may be a sign of weak immunity.