Lung Cancer

Lung Cancer

Signs and Symptoms

 

Lung cancer typically has no symptoms in its early stage. By the time a tumor has grown large enough to cause symptoms, it’s often in an advanced stage. The, symptoms include:

1. Shortness of breath; wheezing; dull, persistent chest pain or intermittent, sharp chest pain.

2. Hoarseness.

3. An increase in a chronic, hacking “smoker’s cough,” sometimes accompanied by blood-streaked mucus. These are often the first sigms.

4. Recurring bronchitis- an inflammation of the main air passages in the lungs.

5. Pain and weakness in the shoulder, arm, or hand.

6. Weight loss or loss of appetite and Persistent low fever.

What to Do Now

 

1. Lung cancer is not something you can treat yourself. But once it is diagnosed, the doctor will work with you to decide which treatment- chemotherapy, radiation, surgery, or a combination- is best for you.

2. There is much you can do to improve your chances of recovery and to stay active during treatment.

3. Consult with a doctor to show you exercises that strengthen you chest muscles.

4. Emotional support seems to aid in recovery.

5. Practice good general health habits.

When to Call A Doctor

 

Call for an immediate appointment if you have any symptoms. Early detection is the key to successful treatment of lung cancer.

How to Prevent It

 

1. Don’t smoke. Even long-term smokers improve their chances of avoiding lung cancer by quitting. Quitting smoking will not only reduce your risk of getting lung cancer, it will reduce the risk for those close to you; the spouses of smokers have at least a 30 percent higher risk of getting lung cancer  from secondhand smoke than do the spouses of nonsmokers.

2. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables.

3. Reduce stress through relaxation, visualization, meditation, or yoga.

Posted in: Health Tips