Lungs are the two spongy organs in your chest that perform the function of gas exchange. An unorganized growth of cells in the lungs is known as lung cancer. People who smoke are at risk of lung cancer. If you have a complaint of cough, you should visit the pulmonologist in Lahore. Also read more about Know About Lung Cancer – Oladoc below.
What are the Symptoms of Lung Cancer?
In the earliest stages, lung cancer does not show any symptoms. You may get to know about it when the disease has advanced. The signs and symptoms of lung cancer are;
A new cough that doesn’t go away on its own
Coughing up blood, even a small amount
Losing weight without trying
Bone pain
Headache
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Hoarseness
What are the Causes of Lung Cancer?
Smoking is a major cause of lung cancer. It can happen when you smoke directly or get exposed to secondhand smoke. Experts believe that cigarettes contain carcinogen- cancer causing agents that damage the lining of the lungs. It can cause changes in the lung tissues immediately. In the initial stage, your lungs may try to repair themselves but by the time they are unable to cope with it, eventually leading to cancer.
What are the Risk Factors for Lung Cancer?
Certain factors can put you at risk of developing lung cancer, known as risk factors. The risk factors for lung cancer are;
Smoking
A major risk factor for lung cancer is smoking. The more cigarettes you smoke in a day, the more risk of lung cancer is increased. If you smoke, quit it. Quitting smoking at any age can lower the risk of lung cancer.
Second-hand smoke
Even if you do not smoke, getting yourself exposed to secondhand smoke can increase the risk of lung cancer.
Previous radiation therapy
Undergoing radiation therapy for other conditions can put you at risk of developing lung cancer.
Radon gas
Getting yourself exposed to radon can lead to can increase the risk of lung cancer. Radon is produced when uranium breaks down naturally and becomes a part of the air you breathe. High levels of radon can therefore accumulate in homes, and buildings, which is unsafe.
Certain chemicals
Working at a place where you get exposed to asbestos or other carcinogens such as nickel, chromium, arsenic, can put you at risk of lung cancer. Moreover, the risk increases even more if you are a smoker.
Family history
Having a family history of lung cancer can increase the risk of lung cancer for you too. If you smoke, the risk increases even more.
What are the Complications of Lung Cancer?
Lung cancer can lead to various complications, such as;
Shortness of breath
Chest pain
Coughing up blood
Fluid accumulation in the chest
Metastases- cancer that spreads to other body parts.
How Can You Prevent Lung Cancer?
Generally, there is no way to prevent lung cancer. However, the following tips can help;
Do not smoke and avoid expsoure to second-hand smoke
If you smoke, quit it as soon as possible
Avoid expsoure to carcinogens
Get your house tested for radon
Eat a healthy diet and work out daily
Conclusion
The most common cause of lung cancer is smoking. Therefore you must quit it if you do. If you find it difficult to quit, you can seek professional help. If you have any of the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, you must visit a pulmonologist in Islamabad.
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