Persistent Cough? It Could Be Lung Cancer

A cough that lingers for more than three weeks, resisting common remedies, often indicates a deeper issue, potentially lung cancer. This persistent cough can manifest even before pain or breathlessness, leading many to dismiss it. It may evolve, becoming deeper or more forceful as a tumor irritates lung tissues, sometimes accompanied by voice changes.

While smoking remains a primary risk, air pollution is an increasingly significant factor in lung cancer development. Fine particulate matter and toxic gases can cause chronic inflammation in lung tissue, altering cells and leading to cancer. This explains why individuals in heavily polluted areas are experiencing symptoms without traditional risk factors.

Crucially, early lung cancer signs are frequently misidentified as everyday fatigue or minor infections. Unexplained tiredness, chest heaviness, mild breathlessness, and appetite loss can mask the disease. Tuberculosis also shares symptoms, complicating early diagnosis. Any cough persisting beyond a few weeks, especially in polluted environments or with a family history, warrants medical attention for timely diagnosis and treatment.