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Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #15608
45 days ago
76

lung diseases symptoms - #15608

Reyansh

I am in a bit of a panic here and could really use some advice from you all. My grandma, who’s 75, has started showing some lung diseases symptoms that have me really worried. It began weeks ago with her coughing a lot, like constantly, and she says her chest feels tight. I thought it was just a cold at first, but now she’s also been feeling super tired all the time. I mean, just getting up from the couch seems like a marathon for her. Last weekend, I noticed she was wheezing while she tried to take deep breaths. The doctor did some tests, but the only thing they mentioned was something about possible lung diseases symptoms and sent her home with an inhaler. I’m concerned the inhaler isn’t helping enough, and I keep reading about how lung diseases can progress fast. What are common lung diseases symptoms actually? Are there any that I should definitely be looking out for that might mean her condition is more serious? I feel like I’m missing something here. Should we be pushing for more tests or even a second opinion? I dunno, I just have this gut feeling like we need to do something more. Any insights or advice would be super helpful. Thanks in advance.

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Doctors’ responses

For someone your grandma’s age, the symptoms you’ve described, such as persistent coughing, chest tightness, fatigue, and wheezing during deep breaths, can indeed be indicative of a range of lung diseases. Common lung disease symptoms to be aware of include breathlessness, chronic cough, production of sputum, wheezing, and chest discomfort. More serious signs would involve rapid worsening of shortness of breath, persistent or severe chest pain, confusion, or bluish tint to the lips or fingers, which might suggest hypoxia or lower oxygen levels. These require urgent medical evaluation. Given her age and the symptoms’ persistence, further investigation might be necessary to determine the cause accurately and adjust treatment. Common conditions at play might be chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or even more acute issues like pneumonia or pulmonary embolism. The inhaler could be managing symptoms temporarily, but it’s possible additional treatments or tests might be needed to address the root cause and not just alleviate symptoms. If her condition isn’t improving or you have concerns, it would be prudent to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to a pulmonologist. Pulmonary function tests, chest X-rays, or CT scans could provide more insight. Also, monitor for any sudden changes or worsening in her condition, as prompt intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes. While acting on your instinct to pursue further medical advice, it’s equally important to ensure that any changes in symptoms are reported immediately to her healthcare provider. Remember, early and continuous dialogue with health professionals can often prevent conditions from escalating.

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