Fatigue
A drop in your stamina and the feeling that you don’t have as much energy as you used to can be an early sign of lung cancer. Cancer cells, which typically divide rapidly, use large amounts of glucose. This process makes them very active and can take up much-needed calories from other parts of your body. This can result in low energy levels and feelings of fatigue. If you’ve been feeling exhausted for no particular reason, make an appointment to see your doctor and have them check what may be causing it.
Wheezing & Shortness of Breath
Many people report difficulty breathing or feel short of breath when the disease has reached a later stage. At this point, cancer cells can surround your windpipe and airways, blocking oxygen from entering your lungs. This leads to a shortage of oxygen in the blood. You may start to wheeze or feel like you’re short of breath. If you feel like you can’t take a deep breath, this is a vital sign that should be reported to your doctor right away.
Night Sweats
If you’re waking up in the middle of the night drenched in sweat, it could be a sign that your body isn’t receiving enough oxygen. Cancer cells typically decrease oxygen levels and rely on glucose for energy. So to compensate for this lack of oxygen and energy, your body will produce more red blood cells to help carry oxygen through the body. Due to this increase in red blood cells, it can sometimes result in night sweats. As the disease progresses and spreads, you may also notice that your skin appears yellowish or greyish because of anemia. So it is important to tell your doctor about any night sweats you’re experiencing if it doesn’t seem to have any other apparent reason, such as a night terror or another sleep disorder.
Coughing Up Blood
Coughing up blood can be one of the most obvious signs of lung cancer. Blood comprises red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. As the disease progresses, carcinogens in your lungs irritate your airway walls and cause them to swell. Swelling leads to fluid buildup, which leads to heavy coughing. You may also notice swelling and buildup of blood and mucus in your lungs, which can lead to pain and difficulty breathing. If you cough up any amount of blood, it is crucial to see a doctor immediately.
Conclusion
As you can see, lung cancer won’t necessarily leave you with crippling symptoms immediately. It may be several months before you notice any symptoms at all. But it is important to watch for subtle changes in your body and share any unusual or persistent symptoms with your doctor as soon as possible. If detected early, there are many treatment options to help prolong your life.