There are a variety of lung diseases, and they can all present early symptoms that could prompt a visit to your doctor to catch it in its earlier stages. The American Lung Association notes many people assume their cough or being out of breath is part of normal aging, but that’s not always the case – there could be more to it.
Lung diseases can vary in severity but they should all be taken seriously – they include asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), and lung cancer, notes the association. However, even if you have these telltale symptoms, try to breathe easy until you see your physician for a proper diagnosis…
1. Shortness of Breath
Sure, it’s pretty normal to have laboured breathing if you’ve just jogged to the bus stop, climbed a large flight of stairs, or tried to keep up with an exercise video. However, the American Lung Association reminds you, “It’s not normal to experience shortness of breath that doesn’t go away after exercising.”
In some cases, you may find yourself trying to catch your breath even when you’ve been idle or have engaged in some light activity. If you have shortness of breath or labored breathing, then they could be early warning signs of a health issue related to your lungs, it adds.
