Lung diseases: Warning signs and symptoms to watch out for!

Zee Media Bureau

New Delhi: The lungs, which are an important part of the respiratory system, are among the hardest-working organs in the body. The lwo lungs are located near the backbone on either side of the heart.

Human lungs can be affected by a variety of diseases. But we seldom do anything to take care of our lungs that are in charge of breathing and supplying life-sustaining oxygen to our body as well as removing a waste product called carbon dioxide from it. Lung diseases are now some of the most medical conditions in the world.

Here are some common signs and symptoms of lung disease that you shouldn't ignore:

• Chronic cough – a cough that persists over time.
• Chronic mucus production - mucus production that lasts for a month or longer.
• Coughing up blood
• Chronic chest pain - unexplained chest pain that lasts for a month or more (it can get worse when you breathe in or cough)
• Shortness of breath
• Wheezing
• Feeling tired or weak

If you experience any of the above symptoms, discuss with your doctor immediately as early detection could save your life. These symptoms could also be the initial signs of lung diseases, including chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma and lung cancer.