Are you coughing constantly and worried that it might be something more? A cough that sticks around for more than 8 weeks is considered chronic. It could be due to allergies, stubborn colds, or ageing. But you must pay attention, especially if you notice other signs.
Common Red Flags to Watch Out
When you have a cold and cough, pay attention to these red flags:
- After taking medicines too, your cough doesn’t go away after 8 weeks
- Your cough becomes more intense, has a different sound, or produces mucus
- Blood in your sputum
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Repeated lung infections
- Weight loss
- Fatigue
These are signs that it could be more serious, like early-stage lung cancer.
What to Do Next?
Lung cancer is a highly emotional diagnosis, and you may feel scared. Talk to a specialist to get clarity. Share your cough history and other symptoms you experience. Only an expert pulmonologist or lung oncologist can assess your risk.
Your doctor may ask you to take tests like a chest X-ray or CT scan to examine your lungs. Sputum analysis is necessary to look for abnormal cells. Bronchoscopy may also become necessary for the diagnosis.
If your doctor suspects that it could be lung cancer, they may perform a biopsy, and if the test is positive for lung cancer, you can start oncological treatment. When detected in the early stages, there are many treatment options available to improve the prognosis of the disease.
Treatment Options
Your doctor may suggest several treatments for lung cancer, such as
- Laparoscopic treatments
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Surgical interventions
The key to the right treatment is that it must be personalised for the patient. There is no universal treatment pathway for lung cancer. It must be unique to address the specific needs of the individual.
Expert Oncology Care at Guru Cancer Center
The oncology experts led by Dr S G Balamurugan at Guru Hospital are dedicated to your health and wellbeing. They have pioneered advanced treatments for various types of cancer like breast cancer, colorectal cancer, lung cancer, prostate cancer, and gastrointestinal cancers. Your cough shouldn’t become the one that affects your quality of life. Book your appointment today to get expert and personalised care at every step.
