Everyone knows that lung cancer is one of the leading causes of death worldwide, claiming millions of lives each year. As an expert, how do you view this issue?
As far as I know, there are many diseases related to the lungs and respiratory system. Can the professor explain each disease, along with its symptoms and signs, so that people can be informed and check themselves?
- Professor Tobias Welte:
There are many diseases related to the lungs. I will tell you some of the most common diseases that people often suffer. You should read carefully and check the symptoms to see if you are included here or not.
- Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD):
- Symptoms: Shortness of breath, Chronic cough, possible phlegm, Wheezing or chest tightness, Chest pain and prolonged shortness of breath.
- Causes: Primarily caused by smoking and prolonged exposure to air pollution or harmful gases. - Tuberculosis (TB):
- Symptoms: Cough lasting more than 2 weeks, Sputum possibly containing blood, Mild fever, fatigue, loss of appetite, Excessive night sweating and rapid weight loss.
- Causes: Caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria, usually spread through the air. - Lung Cancer:
- Symptoms: Persistent cough that may be accompanied by chest pain, Pain with deep breathing or coughing, Shortness of breath or wheezing, Rapid weight loss and persistent fatigue.
- Causes: Primarily caused by smoking, but also linked to other factors such as exposure to harmful smoke or pollutants. - Pneumonia:
- Symptoms: Fever, chills and excessive sweating, Cough with phlegm or possibly blood, Chest pain during breathing or coughing, Shortness of breath, rapid and shallow breathing.
- Causes: Caused by bacterial, viral, fungal, or parasitic infections invading the lungs. - Asthma:
- Symptoms: Wheezing, especially at night or early morning, Chest tightness or discomfort, Difficulty breathing, especially during exertion or exposure to allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander.
- Causes: Allergic reactions or airway irritants such as pollution or harmful gases. - Silicosis:
- Symptoms: Prolonged difficulty breathing, especially in occupations exposed to harmful dust, Persistent dry cough, Chest pain, Progressive lung function decline over time.
- Causes: Caused by prolonged exposure to harmful dust such as silica, asbestos, coal, or other hazardous occupational exposures. - Pulmonary Fibrosis:
- Symptoms: Chronic shortness of breath, especially with exertion, Chest pain, shallow breathing, Significant decline in lung function over time.
- Causes: Resulting from prolonged lung damage leading to scarring and hardening of the lungs, often due to exposure to harmful chemicals or chronic infections. - Chronic Bronchitis:
- Symptoms: Persistent cough with ongoing phlegm production, Shortness of breath, wheezing, and chest tightness, Fatigue and frequent respiratory infections.
- Causes: Common in smokers or those living in long-term exposure to polluted environments.
image of hospital overloaded with patients *
What symptoms are easily misunderstood but are actually signs of lung disease?
- Professor Tobias Welte:
- Slight cough at night, thought it was due to cold
- Shortness of breath when walking fast
- Frequent wheezing, sounds like there is a hiss in the chest
- Fatigue, weight loss for unknown reasons
This is not flu. This is the lung's cry for help.
If the patient does not receive timely treatment, what complications can the above diseases cause?
- Professor Tobias Welte:
Very serious. Some serious complications include:
- Acute respiratory failure, requiring ventilator.
- Pulmonary fibrosis, causing the lungs to lose their ability to expand.
- Lung cancer late stage.
- Right heart failure (due to increased pulmonary artery pressure).
- High risk of death if pneumonia is combined with underlying diseases such as diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
- Professor Tobias Welte:
I would like to share some thought-provoking figures to highlight the seriousness of this disease. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics, lung cancer accounted for approximately 2.2 million new cases and nearly 1.8 million deaths worldwide. This is not only a dangerous disease but also a major threat to global public health.
However, what’s important is that lung cancer is not without hope. If detected at an early stage and managed with timely care and intervention, it remains one of the few cancers with the potential for positive treatment outcomes. In many cases, the 5-year survival rate can reach up to 80–90% when patients are properly monitored and supported.
Lung cancer is gradually wearing away human health day by day, silently taking away breath, strength, and quality of life. Healthy lungs not only help you breathe more easily, but also serve as a vital foundation for living well, living longer, and enjoying life to the fullest even into your 90s.
What symptoms are often overlooked or misunderstood by people, but are actually warning signs of lung disease?
I would like to share some thought-provoking figures to highlight the seriousness of this disease. According to GLOBOCAN 2022 statistics, lung cancer accounted for approximately 2.2 million new cases and nearly 1.8 million deaths worldwide. This is not only a dangerous disease but also a major threat to global public health.
- Professor Tobias Welte:
Below are some common signs that are extremely easy to overlook, but that you should never ignore:
1. A persistent cough that does not go away
A lingering cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks, especially if it does not improve with medication, is no longer just a simple sign of the flu or throat irritation. It may be an early warning sign of chronic bronchitis, COPD, or even more serious lung problems.
2. Shortness of breath even with light activity
If you begin to feel breathless when climbing stairs, walking short distances, or doing very ordinary daily tasks, it may indicate that your lung function is declining. Many respiratory conditions, such as asthma, pulmonary fibrosis, or early-stage emphysema, often show up this way.
3. Chest tightness or unusual chest pain
Not all chest pain comes from the heart. In many cases, lung disease can also cause a feeling of heaviness, pressure, or sharp pain in the chest, especially when coughing hard or taking deep breaths. This is a warning sign that many people tend to overlook.
4. Persistent fatigue and physical weakness
When the lungs do not function effectively, the amount of oxygen supplied to the body decreases. As a result, you may constantly feel tired, sluggish, dizzy, and lacking energy. Many people assume this is simply due to stress, lack of sleep, or overwork, but sometimes the real cause lies in the lungs.
5. Prolonged hoarseness or changes in the voice
If hoarseness lasts for several weeks without a clear cause, it may be a sign of prolonged inflammation or damage affecting the throat and respiratory system. This is a symptom that should not be taken lightly.
6. Unexplained weight loss
Sudden weight loss without dieting or lifestyle changes may indicate that the body is fighting chronic inflammation or other serious health problems. In some cases, it can also be a warning sign related to the lungs.
7. Coughing up blood or blood-streaked phlegm
This is the most dangerous sign and should never be considered normal. Even if it is only a small amount of blood in the mucus, you should get checked as soon as possible, because it may be a sign of serious damage in the lungs.
The most dangerous thing is that many of these symptoms appear silently, are easy to dismiss, or are brushed off with “it’s probably nothing.” But that delay can allow the disease to worsen day by day. The earlier it is detected, the greater the chance of controlling it and improving lung health.
How can someone recognize early on that their lungs may be in trouble?
The lungs are the body’s true “source of life,” responsible for absorbing oxygen and eliminating harmful gases. Once the lungs begin to weaken or suffer damage, the entire breathing process is disrupted, triggering a chain of serious effects throughout the whole body. It does not just leave a person feeling exhausted, short of breath, and physically weaker—it can also sharply reduce overall health and quality of life if not detected early.