If you’ve been coughing for 3 weeks or more, tell your doctor.
What could it be?
Everyone gets a cough now and then, but a cough that lasts for three weeks or more could be a sign of something more serious, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), which is a form of lung disease.
A persistent cough might not be anything serious, but don’t try and diagnose yourself, see your doctor to find out for sure.
Could it be cancer?
A cough that has lasted three weeks or more can also be a sign of lung cancer, which is why it’s so important to see your doctor. Early detection makes it easier to treat. Seeing your doctor could save your life.
If you get out of breath doing things you used to be able to do, tell your doctor.
What could it be?
We all get short of breath sometimes, but if you get out of breath doing everyday things you used to be able to do it could be a sign of lung disease, such as COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease), or heart disease.
It could also be a sign of other health problems such as anaemia or anxiety. But don’t try and diagnose yourself, go and see your doctor to find out for sure.
The good news is that the conditions that cause shortness of breath can often be treated. So it’s important to see your doctor if your breathing is difficult or uncomfortable, or if it feels like you can’t get enough air.
Could it be cancer?
Breathlessness could also be a sign of lung cancer, which is why it’s so important to see your doctor. Early detection makes it easier to treat. Seeing your doctor could save your life.
