In India, tuberculosis (TB) is one of the most widely recognised lung diseases. TB is a bacterial infection that mainly affects the lungs and spreads through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes.
Symptoms such as prolonged cough, fever, weakness, night sweats, and weight loss are commonly associated with the disease. Because of its strong presence in public health discussions, people often associate any long-lasting cough with TB. Many choose to self-medicate or wait for the symptoms to pass, believing it is a minor infection.
However, a cough that continues for weeks should never be taken lightly. While infections remain a common cause, there are other serious lung conditions that can begin with similar symptoms. Lung cancer is one such illness that often develops silently in its early stages. The symptoms may appear mild at first, which is why many patients reach hospitals only when the disease has progressed. Recognising early warning signs and seeking timely medical help can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
Dr. Ashwani Kumar Sharma, Vice Chairman – Manipal Comprehensive Cancer Centre & Onco Robotic Surgeries, North-West Cluster, Manipal Hospital, Gurugram, shares important insights:
Signs That Make a Persistent Cough Concerning
A cough is considered persistent when it lasts longer than three weeks and does not improve with regular treatment. In such cases, medical evaluation becomes essential. Some key warning signs include:
Cough that gradually worsens: A cough that becomes deeper, more frequent, or painful over time may indicate underlying lung disease.
Blood while coughing: Even small streaks of blood in sputum should be considered a serious symptom and must be evaluated immediately.
Breathing difficulties: Shortness of breath during routine activities may occur when the airways are affected.
Chest discomfort or pain: Pain that worsens while coughing, laughing, or breathing deeply should not be ignored.
Unexplained weight loss and fatigue: Sudden weight loss and persistent tiredness may signal an underlying medical condition.
Repeated chest infections: Frequent episodes of bronchitis or pneumonia may sometimes indicate deeper lung problems.
Methods Used for Lung Cancer Diagnosis
Diagnosis usually begins with imaging tests such as chest X-rays or CT scans to examine the lungs. If any abnormal growth is detected, further tests, including a biopsy, are performed to confirm the diagnosis. PET-CT scans also play an important role in the evaluation and staging of lung cancer. Early detection significantly improves survival rates and treatment outcomes.
Treatment Options
Treatment depends on the stage of the disease and the patient’s overall health. Common treatment options include lung resection surgery to remove the affected portion of the lung, chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, and radiation therapy to control tumour growth.
Lung resections may involve either a lobectomy or pneumonectomy and are increasingly performed using robotic techniques where available. Robotic surgery allows for keyhole procedures instead of large incisions required in open surgery, which can help patients recover faster and return to normal activities sooner.
Newer treatments such as targeted therapy and immunotherapy are also improving patient outcomes and helping maintain quality of life.
Why Awareness Matters
A persistent cough should never be ignored or assumed to be harmless. While TB remains common, other serious lung diseases, including lung cancer, can present with similar symptoms. Paying attention to early warning signs, avoiding delays in medical testing, and seeking timely treatment can save lives.
Awareness and early action remain the most important steps in protecting long-term lung health.
