People who do experienceearly lung cancersymptoms may mistake them for an infection.
Or, the respiratory infection may spark needless concerns about cancer.
Acute Bronchitis
Bronchitisis inflammation of the bronchial tubesthe main air passages to the lungs.
Illustration by Jessica Olah for Verywell Health
Symptoms include coughing (often with mucus), chest pain, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
There are two types of bronchitis: acute and chronic.
Chronic bronchitis can last for several months or years.
Pneumonia can affect one or both lungs and range from mild to severe.
Symptoms include chest pain when breathing or coughing, chills, cough, fever, and shortness of breath.
Bronchiolitis
Bronchiolitisis inflammation and swelling of the smallest airways in the lungs, called bronchioles.
It is most commonly because of a viral infection, such asinfluenzaorrespiratory syncytial virus(RSV).
It can be treated with antibiotics, but it’s a serious illness that can lead to death.
Symptoms of tuberculosis include a cough with blood-tinged sputum, as well as chest pain and shortness of breath.
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include congestion, dry cough, fatigue, shortness of breath, and difficulty breathing.
Asthma
Asthmais a chronic disease that affects the airways of the lungs.
The constricted airways can make it difficult to breathe.
Common asthma symptoms include cough, chest tightness, shortness of breath, and wheezing.
Air pollution, occupational exposure, or a genetic Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AATD) deficiency also are causes.
Chronic coughing, mucus production, and shortness of breath are common with COPD.
It tends to worsen with episodes triggered by environmental exposure.
A COPD diagnosis is a risk factor for lung cancer even if you’ve never smoked.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, considered a blood cancer.
Clots that affect the lungs, calledpulmonary emboli, also can occur.
This happens because the lower esophageal sphincter, where the tube meets the stomach, no longer functions properly.
Some 90% of all missed lung cancer cases occur onchest X-rays.
Due to the overlap of symptoms, misdiagnosis is a concern.
Getting an early diagnosis can ensure you get the most effective treatment.
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