Lung disease: what to watch for and what to do

Do you feel short of breath, have a cough that won’t quit, or wheeze after walking up stairs? Those are common signs of a lung disease. This page gives straightforward, useful info—how problems show up, what usually causes them, how doctors check, and simple steps you can take right away.

Common symptoms are easy to spot: ongoing cough, phlegm or blood in spit, shortness of breath that worsens with activity, wheezing, chest tightness, repeated chest infections, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats. If any of that sounds familiar, don’t ignore it—some lung issues start slowly and get worse over months or years.

Common causes and types

Smoking is the top cause of long-term lung damage, especially COPD (chronic bronchitis and emphysema). Asthma shows up as wheeze and flare-ups triggered by allergens, exercise, or infections. Infections like pneumonia or tuberculosis can damage lungs too. Other causes include occupational dust and chemicals, air pollution, pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lung), and interstitial lung diseases such as pulmonary fibrosis. Knowing the likely cause helps guide treatment.

Diagnosis usually starts with a visit and a few simple tests. Your doctor will ask about symptoms, smoking history, and exposure at work. Expect a chest X-ray and spirometry (breathing test) that checks how much air you can blow out. Sometimes CT scans, blood tests, or sputum cultures are needed. Quick testing matters—early treatment slows damage in many conditions.

Practical steps you can take now

Quit smoking. It’s the single best thing you can do for your lungs. Ask your doctor about nicotine replacement or medications—there are effective options. Get vaccinated: flu and pneumococcal vaccines cut risk of serious lung infections. Improve indoor air: use a clean air filter, avoid secondhand smoke, and reduce dust and mold.

Learn breathing techniques like pursed-lip breathing to ease breathlessness during activity. If prescribed an inhaler, make sure your technique is correct—poor technique means the drug won’t reach your lungs. Pulmonary rehab programs combine exercise, education, and support and really help people with chronic lung disease breathe better and stay active.

Know when to act fast. Go to the ER if you have sudden severe shortness of breath, blue lips or face, fainting, confusion, or coughing up lots of blood. For worsening but not emergency symptoms, call your doctor—early antibiotic or steroid treatment can prevent a crisis.

When you see a specialist, bring a short symptom diary, a list of current medications, and questions like: "What test do I need?", "What will slow my lung damage?", and "How do I use my inhaler properly?" Small steps and early care make a big difference in living with lung disease. Breathe easier by acting early and getting the right support.