Breathing is a vital function of the human body that enables oxygen to be carried throughout the body, making it imperative to keep our lungs healthy. Breathing also helps to expel carbon dioxide, which is toxic to the body. Lungs that aren’t working well will not be able to carry enough oxygen into or out of the body. This can result in the body not receiving enough oxygen to major organs which alters their ability to function properly. There are many different lung diseases that can impede proper lung function. Lung cancer and Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease, also known as COPD, are two examples of lung diseases that can be detrimental to a person’s health. During the month of November, awareness is brought to both of these health conditions in hopes to raise awareness, education and prevention.
Lung cancer is the leading cancer-causing death in the United States for both men and women. While research and treatment have both drastically improved over the past few decades, lung cancer remains difficult to treat and is often fatal. Primarily because it’s not usually found until it is too far advanced.
Age, previous lung disease, air pollutants, personal history of lung cancer and second-hand smoke exposure can all be risk factors. Smoking however, is the number one cause of lung cancer, accounting for 80% of all cases of lung cancer. New information about the harmful effects smoking has on the body, including coronary artery disease and chronic lung diseases, is constantly emerging, however smoking is the greatest risk factor of lung cancer a person can have.
Warnings signs of lung cancer can be:
- Persistent cough
- Shortness of breath
- Hoarseness
- Bronchitis, Pneumonia or Emphysema
- Chest Pain
- Unexplained Weight Loss
While lung cancer and COPD are very different health conditions, there are some similarities. One being that smoking is a risk factor for both of them.
COPD is a chronic lung disease that worsens over time and causes significant breathing issues. Historically known to only impact men, over the past few decades it has caused more deaths in women. In fact, COPD is the leading cause of death in female smokers.
COPD risk factors include a history of respiratory illness as a child, air pollutants, exposure to second hand smoke or coal or wood burning stoves, history of asthma and smoking. Individuals who live in rural areas also have a higher risk of COPD. It’s important to note that while smoking is a risk factor, 1 in 4 individuals who develop COPD have no history of smoking. This means it’s imperative that people know the risk factors and warning signs of COPD as earlier diagnosis and implementation of treatment makes the disease more manageable.
Warning signs of COPD can be:
- Shortness of breath
- Coughing that causes the production of mucus
- Chest tightness or wheezing
- Tiredness
- Chronic lung infections such as acute bronchitis or pneumonia
While these symptom lists are very similar and can also be indicators of other lung conditions, speaking with your provider and learning your risks are next steps to take. If you are experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned in this article, especially if you have a history of smoking or are a current smoker, contact your provider right away. Given all the imperativeness of lung health, it’s important everyone be educated on how best to attain healthier lungs.
