- Often starts in childhood, but adults can get it too.
- You may feel tightness in your chest, wheeze, or get short of breath—especially during exercise or at night.
- It comes and goes, triggered by things like dust, cold air, or strong smells.
- It can be managed well with inhalers and avoiding triggers.
COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease)
- Usually seen in people over 40, especially smokers.
- You might feel breathless even after a short walk or experience a chronic cough with mucus.
- It doesn’t go away, but can be slowed down with medication, breathing exercises, and lifestyle changes.
Other Lung Conditions
- It could also be allergies, lung infections, sleep apnea, interstitial lung disease, or even early signs of lung cancer.
- The only way to know for sure? Get tested.
How Do Doctors Find Out What’s Wrong?
Here are some common tests your doctor might suggest:
- Lung Function Test (Spirometry): Blowing into a device that measures how well your lungs work.
- Chest X-ray or CT Scan: To see if there’s any damage, infection, or blockage.
- Allergy Testing: If your symptoms worsen in certain environments.
- Oxygen Levels (Pulse Oximetry): Checks how well your lungs are sending oxygen to your body.
- Blood Tests or Sputum Culture: To look for infections or inflammation.
When Should You Get Checked?
You should not delay a lung checkup if:
- You have a persistent cough lasting more than 3 weeks.
- You feel breathless often.
- You wheeze or hear whistling sounds while breathing.
- You feel chest tightness, especially at night or while walking.
- You are a smoker or live in a polluted area.
- You have unexplained fatigue or weight loss.
Early Diagnosis = Better Control
Many lung conditions can be managed effectively—if caught early. The goal isn’t just to treat symptoms but to improve your quality of life and prevent complications.
If you’ve been ignoring your cough, blaming breathlessness on “age” or “weather,” or relying on over-the-counter meds for too long—this is your sign to stop and get your lungs checked.
Because when breathing becomes easier, life becomes easier.
