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Rachel V Thomas

Why A Persistent Cough Can Be An Early Warning Sign Of Lung Cancer: Doctors Explain

It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Annabelle Gurwitch, an American author, actress, and television host, developed a "a little persistent cough".

Suspecting it to be a COVID symptom, Annabelle went for a check-up. Her doctor alarmingly informed her about something suspicious on her lungs. Soon after, an X-ray and a biopsy confirmed her diagnosis of stage 4 cancer.

But, here's the catch. Annabelle is a non-smoker. She also lived a healthy lifestyle and exercised every day, and felt like she was in really good health, besides the persistent little cough.

Also read:<a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/american-author-annabelle-gurwitch-writes-new-memoir-on-stage-4-lung-cancer-diagnosis-article-154032959" data-type="tilCustomLink">American Author Annabelle Gurwitch Writes New Memoir On Stage-4 Lung Cancer Diagnosis</a>

HealthandMe spoke to health experts to understand how a persistent cough signals the risk of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/lung-cancer">lung cancer</a>.

If you, too, are a non-smoker who is leading a healthy lifestyle and has no medical conditions other than a persistent cough, then you must visit your doctor right away, advised the experts.

"A persistent cough can be an early warning sign of lung cancer, especially when it shows specific features rather than behaving like a routine respiratory illness," Dr Sameer Khatri, Principal Director - Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, told HealthandMe.

The doctor noted that the cough becomes suspicious when it persists beyond three weeks without a clear cause or fails to respond to standard symptomatic treatment such as cough syrups, bronchodilators, etc. 

"A change in a pre-existing smoker’s cough—for example, becoming more frequent, severe, or different in character—is particularly important. In non-smokers, a new, unexplained chronic cough should not be ignored," Dr. Khatri  said.

Certain associated symptoms further strengthen the suspicion of cancer. The most significant is hemoptysis, the coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus, even if minimal. 

<ul><li>unintentional weight loss,</li><li>chest pain, </li><li>breathlessness,</li><li>hoarseness, </li><li>recurrent <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/pneumonia">pneumonia</a> in the same lung region.</li><li>age &gt;40 years, </li><li>smoking history, occupational exposures.</li></ul>

<h2>Persistent cough: TB Vs Lung Cancer</h2>

Persistent cough also signals the risk of <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health/tuberculosis">tuberculosis</a> (TB) -- the world's most deadliest infectious disease. Understanding the differences between these two causes is critical for early diagnosis and timely treatment.

Dr Seema Jagiasi from MOC Cancer Care Center told HealthandMe that the cough in TB may sometimes produce blood-tinged phlegm, but it is usually associated with signs of infection, such as fatigue and a general feeling of illness.

TB is more common in younger populations and in individuals with weakened immunity or poor living conditions.

"In contrast, a cough associated with lung cancer tends to be more insidious. It may start as a dry, persistent cough that gradually worsens over time. Unlike TB, it may not initially present with fever or infection-related symptoms," the doctor explained.

Also read: <a href="https://www.healthandme.com/health-wellness/suffering-from-mid-back-pain-doctors-say-it-may-be-spinal-tb-article-153964854" data-type="tilCustomLink">Suffering From Mid-back Pain? Doctors Say It May Be Spinal TB</a>

One of the key differences lies in progression and response to treatment. 

TB is treatable with a course of antibiotics, and symptoms often improve within weeks of starting therapy. However, a lung cancer-related cough persists or worsens despite routine medications.

Dr Jagiasi emphasized that any cough lasting beyond three weeks, especially when accompanied by alarming symptoms, should not be ignored. 

"Early investigations, such as chest imaging and further diagnostic tests, can help distinguish between the two conditions," the doctor said.

While both TB and lung cancer may present with a persistent cough, their underlying causes, associated symptoms, and progression differ significantly. 

The health experts called for more awareness and the need for timely medical evaluation for the effective management of the disease.

Health Conditions A-Z

health

why-a-persistent-cough-can-be-an-early-warning-sign-of-lung-cancer-doctors-explain

Annabelle Gurwitch

Lung Cancer

Persistent Cough

Cough

tuberculosis

pneumonia

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It was during the COVID-19 pandemic that Annabelle Gurwitch, an American author, actress, and television host, developed a "a little persistent cough". Suspecting it to be a COVID symptom, Annabelle went for a check-up. Her doctor alarmingly informed her about something suspicious on her lungs. Soon after, an X-ray and a biopsy confirmed her diagnosis of stage 4 cancer.But, here's the catch. Annabelle is a non-smoker. She also lived a healthy lifestyle and exercised every day, and felt like she was in really good health, besides the persistent little cough.    Also read:American Author Annabelle Gurwitch Writes New Memoir On Stage-4 Lung Cancer DiagnosisHealthandMe spoke to health experts to understand how a persistent cough signals the risk of lung cancer.If you, too, are a non-smoker who is leading a healthy lifestyle and has no medical conditions other than a persistent cough, then you must visit your doctor right away, advised the experts."A persistent cough can be an early warning sign of lung cancer, especially when it shows specific features rather than behaving like a routine respiratory illness," Dr Sameer Khatri, Principal Director - Medical Oncology, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Patparganj, told HealthandMe.The doctor noted that the cough becomes suspicious when it persists beyond three weeks without a clear cause or fails to respond to standard symptomatic treatment such as cough syrups, bronchodilators, etc. "A change in a pre-existing smoker’s cough—for example, becoming more frequent, severe, or different in character—is particularly important. In non-smokers, a new, unexplained chronic cough should not be ignored," Dr. Khatri  said.Certain associated symptoms further strengthen the suspicion of cancer. The most significant is hemoptysis, the coughing up of blood or blood-stained mucus, even if minimal. Other red flags includeunintentional weight loss,chest pain, breathlessness,hoarseness, recurrent pneumonia in the same lung region.age >40 years, smoking history, occupational exposures.Persistent cough: TB Vs Lung CancerPersistent cough also signals the risk of tuberculosis (TB) -- the world's most deadliest infectious disease. Understanding the differences between these two causes is critical for early diagnosis and timely treatment.Dr Seema Jagiasi from MOC Cancer Care Center told HealthandMe that the cough in TB may sometimes produce blood-tinged phlegm, but it is usually associated with signs of infection, such as fatigue and a general feeling of illness.TB is more common in younger populations and in individuals with weakened immunity or poor living conditions."In contrast, a cough associated with lung cancer tends to be more insidious. It may start as a dry, persistent cough that gradually worsens over time. Unlike TB, it may not initially present with fever or infection-related symptoms," the doctor explained.Also read: Suffering From Mid-back Pain? Doctors Say It May Be Spinal TBOne of the key differences lies in progression and response to treatment. TB is treatable with a course of antibiotics, and symptoms often improve within weeks of starting therapy. However, a lung cancer-related cough persists or worsens despite routine medications.Dr Jagiasi emphasized that any cough lasting beyond three weeks, especially when accompanied by alarming symptoms, should not be ignored. "Early investigations, such as chest imaging and further diagnostic tests, can help distinguish between the two conditions," the doctor said.While both TB and lung cancer may present with a persistent cough, their underlying causes, associated symptoms, and progression differ significantly. The health experts called for more awareness and the need for timely medical evaluation for the effective management of the disease.

why a persistent cough can be an early warning sign of lung cancer: doctors explain

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Why A Persistent Cough Can Be An Early Warning Sign Of Lung Cancer: Doctors Explain

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