Colds, acid reflux, and allergies are common causes of coughing. However, a persistent or worsening cough may also be an early symptom of lung cancer. Lung cancer cough may be moist (if there is mucus) or dry (if there is no mucus). Not everyone with lung cancer develops a cough in the early stages, but as the cancer progresses, a persistent cough is likely to develop.
Several factors can affect lung cancer cough, including the tumor, underlying health conditions, and cancer treatment. There are several types of lung cancer, but studies show that small cell lung cancer and squamous cell carcinoma are most likely to cause a cough.
A persistent cough does not necessarily mean that you have lung cancer, but it is important to talk to your healthcare provider if you have a cough. They can provide testing to detect health conditions early and suggest appropriate treatment options if necessary.
Because coughing is such a common symptom, it isn't always easy to tell if a cough is related to lung cancer. However, the following characteristics may point to a lung cancer cough:
- Dry cough with white or yellow mucus
- Cough that doesn't go away or gets worse over time
- chest pain
- Wheezing or shortness of breath
- my throat itches
- Cough that interferes with sleep or affects speech
- It occurs with infections such as bronchitis or pneumonia.
Sometimes lung cancer can damage blood vessels in the airways, causing you to cough up blood. About 15 to 30 percent of people with lung cancer develop a cough that contains blood.
There are a variety of reasons why coughing may occur when you have lung cancer, including the tumor itself, cancer treatment, and environmental factors.
tumor growth
Tumors growing in the lungs can block the airways (called bronchi), causing coughing. Tumors may irritate the airways and cause coughing. Certain types of lung tumor cells, such as carcinoid tumors, can also release hormones such as serotonin. Serotonin can restrict the bronchi, eventually leading to symptoms such as coughing and wheezing.
lung cancer treatment
Certain lung cancer treatments may cause coughing as a side effect. For example, radiation therapy can cause lung tissue to thicken, harden, and scar (a condition called pulmonary fibrosis), which can result in a chronic, dry cough.
underlying health conditions
Cancer and its treatments (such as chemotherapy) can weaken the immune system, making you more susceptible to infections such as pneumonia and COVID-19, which can cause coughing. Other conditions that can cause persistent coughing if you have lung cancer include tuberculosis, H. pylori Infection, flu.
environmental factors
Some environmental factors may contribute to or worsen cough in people with lung cancer. Poor posture, extreme weather changes, and being in an air-conditioned room can all trigger a coughing fit.
Although cancer treatment may sometimes make your cough worse, it is still important to seek treatment appropriate for your condition. Cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy or radiation therapy, can help relieve most lung cancer symptoms, but they can sometimes make coughing worse.
In addition to cancer treatment, your doctor may recommend the following treatments to relieve your cough:
- palliative: Syrups and tablets (cough lozenges) to soothe irritated or inflamed mucous membranes of the upper respiratory tract
- Opioids: Helps suppress cough reflux in the brain.
- Peripherally acting antitussives: It reduces cough frequency by inhibiting the rate at which sensory nerves generate cough.
- Cough suppression exercises: Breathing exercises and swallowing or drinking water to help suppress coughing
- Endobronchial brachytherapy (EBBT): Uses radiation to target tumors blocking airways to relieve cough symptoms.
- Complementary therapies: Although research is limited, acupuncture may be a promising cough treatment for lung cancer cough.
There is no sure way to prevent coughing if you have lung cancer. Lung cancer can occur without an obvious cause, but factors such as smoking, secondhand smoke, exposure to radon, arsenic, and other chemicals can contribute to the development of the disease. Taking steps to avoid or limit these risk factors can greatly reduce your chances of developing lung cancer and its symptoms.
If you've already been diagnosed with lung cancer, there are several things you can do to strengthen your immune system and reduce your risk of infections that can cause a persistent cough. Consider eating a diet high in fruits and vegetables, staying hydrated, and getting plenty of rest.
These self-care tips may also help prevent frequent coughing and relieve symptoms.
- Drink warm water instead of cold water
- Drink warm tea with ginger
- Take some honey (e.g. 1 teaspoon)
- Install a humidifier in your home
Most mild coughs go away within 3 to 8 weeks. A cough that lasts longer than 8 weeks is known as chronic (long-term). If your cough lasts longer than two months, it is best to seek medical help. This is especially important if your cough becomes worse, does not respond to over-the-counter (OTC) treatments, or is accompanied by the following symptoms:
- ache
- fatigue
- blood in mucus
- shortness of breath
- wheezing
A persistent cough can be extremely uncomfortable and interfere with your life. If your symptoms do not go away, seeing a healthcare provider can help you get a proper diagnosis and prompt treatment.
Coughing can occur for a variety of reasons (e.g., allergies or colds), but a persistent or worsening cough may be a sign of lung cancer. A lung cancer cough can occur when a tumor irritates the airways, when you are being treated for cancer, or when you have an underlying medical condition.
If your cough doesn't go away, it's important to see your healthcare provider. They can help you get the treatment you need and reduce your risk of complications.