The lungs allow us to breathe properly. Due to the absence of nerve endings in them, we are not able to recognize whether everything is all right with them or not. There is no pain or signal, so we don’t think about possible problems.
By ignoring some signals, we delay our visit to a doctor. Many pulmonary diseases can lead to disability and, even worse, death. So, from this article, you will learn about the signals that should alert you.
Signs That Indicate Lung Infection
Table of Contents
1- Swelling Of The Legs
Swelling of the legs from heat or exercise is normal. But frequent swelling, which is also accompanied by pain, may indicate the presence of serious diseases of the internal organs, impaired lung function. Lack of oxygen affects the lymphatic and circulatory systems, so the fluid does not circulate actively.
Besides, the lack of oxygen prevents the required amount of blood from reaching organs such as the kidneys and liver. As a result, they cannot remove unnecessary fluid and toxins from the body, which is why edema appears.
2- Weight Gain
Even if you are on a diet or eat very little, excess weight may indicate lung infection. You should be concerned if gaining extra pounds is not the only problem, as well as frequent fatigue, heavy breathing, and shortness of breath – all this indicates pulmonary diseases.
Fluid builds up in the lungs, so weight increases. You should not ignore this signal. Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.
3- Weight Loss
Weight loss is a symptom that you should not ignore. If you did not change anything but noticed that you began to lose weight, this may indicate COPD disease.
The disease develops as a result of an inflammatory response to the action of any external stimuli. COPD ranks fourth among the causes of death so go to the doctor and get examined.
4- Unreasonable Or Too Long Shortness Of Breath
Shortness of breath is a very unpleasant condition; usually, it is accompanied by other symptoms. The patient thinks that he/she does not have enough air, and he/she will now suffocate, breathing becomes frequent and noisier than usual. Shortness of breath suggests that not all is well with the lungs.
Such diseases can lead to COPD, bronchial asthma, pneumonia, emphysema of the lungs, etc. Asthma, for example, is always characterized by asthma attacks. But if breathing is disturbed even from a small load and it takes a long time to recover, you need to visit a doctor.
5- Sleeping Problems
If you do not drink alcohol but still have sleeping problems, then this might not be a good sign. Frequent waking up at night, interrupted and painful breathing, and discomfort you feel no matter which side you lay on is a sign of a lung problem.
But if you drink alcohol excessively, then along with your heart, lungs also suffer. For keeping your organs healthy, first, get rid of this addiction problem. If you find the treatment expensive, get insurance coverage for alcohol treatment. These programs facilitate those who cannot afford such treatments.
6- Constant Fatigue
If not everything is in order with the lungs, then fatigue sets in faster. If you get tired quickly, this is an alarming signal. COPD can cause rapid fatigue. It makes breathing difficult, thereby affecting a person’s energy level, so you experience constant fatigue.
Research shows that 50-70% of people with COPD experience extreme fatigue and finds it harder to do things that others do with ease.
7- Shoulder Pain
Before going to the doctor, make sure that you have not injured your shoulder muscles or spine in any way. If you have shoulder pain, you can still endure it. But sometimes the shoulder hurts so much that you can’t sleep and eat.
The presence of a lung tumor cannot be determined in any way because pain appears after the tumor grows. Usually, a pleural tumor gives off pain in the chest. To prevent the disease from progressing, it is better to see a doctor.
8- Changing The Color Of Lips And Nails
If you notice that lips have changed the color, they become blue like your nails; this is a very dangerous signal. The lips turn blue because there is not enough oxygen in the blood, and it is oversaturated with carbon dioxide.
Other symptoms may also join, like the disorder of consciousness, fatigue for no reason, severe headaches, nausea, urination, and tremors of the limbs. Hypoxia can lead to mental disorders, hallucinations, and later to coma. And if you do not sound the alarm in time, a fatal outcome is possible.
9- Headaches In The Morning
If you overwork or have a lot of fun at night, then a headache is normal. But if it brings discomfort every morning for no reason, then this indicates that you lack oxygen. Because of this, the body produces toxins to which the nociceptors of the blood vessels react.
The cause of pain can be COPD. It is a disease that makes it difficult for oxygen to enter the body and release carbon dioxide. This combination leads to pain.
10- Chronic Cough
People who smoke always have a cough because cigarette smoke irritates the lung tissue. But if you don’t smoke and cough occurs for no reason, this is a serious reason to go to the doctor. A prolonged cough can be a signal that you have a respiratory problem.
A cough that lasts more than two months can be chronic. It should make you realize that you cannot do without a doctor. And if your cough can wake you up in the middle of the night and is accompanied by phlegm, visit your doctor as soon as possible.
Summing Up
Lungs problem can be fatal for health. Therefore, look for the above signs; they indicate that there is some problem with your lungs. And do not delay to see a doctor.
Comments