How do the symptoms of lung cancer and asthma differ?

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Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Lung cancer and asthma are two distinct respiratory conditions that can exhibit similar symptoms, often leading to confusion and misdiagnosis. While both conditions affect the lungs and can cause breathing difficulties, it is crucial to recognise the characteristic differences in their symptoms. This article aims to shed light on the distinctive features of lung cancer and asthma and the ways in which their symptoms may differ.

What are the common symptoms shared by lung cancer and asthma?

Both lung cancer and asthma share some common symptoms, making it challenging to differentiate between the two without further investigation. These symptoms include:

  1. Chronic Cough: Both lung cancer and asthma can cause a persistent cough. In asthma, the cough is typically accompanied by wheezing and is triggered by specific stimuli, such as allergens or exercise. Other symptoms of asthma include shortness of breath, dyspnea, chest tightness, trouble sleeping, coughing, etc. In contrast, a persistent cough in lung cancer may be accompanied by blood-tinged sputum, chest pain, or unexplained weight loss. Symptoms of lung cancer include a persistent cough that is not relieved, blood in sputum, chest infection, chest pain while coughing, breathlessness, tiredness, loss of appetite, dilatation or distention of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever, pain that reaches bones etc.
  2. Shortness of Breath: Both conditions can lead to breathing difficulties, resulting in shortness of breath. However, asthma-related breathing difficulties tend to vary in severity, with episodes of wheezing and tightness in the chest often triggered by specific triggers. In lung cancer, shortness of breath may progressively worsen over time, particularly as the tumor grows and impacts lung function.

How can lung cancer and asthma be differentiated based on symptoms and red flags?

While lung cancer and asthma may present with similar symptoms, certain indicators can help in recognising how their symptoms differ:

  1. Severity and Progression: Asthma symptoms often come and go, with varying intensity, depending on triggers and environmental factors. Lung cancer symptoms, on the other hand, tend to persist and worsen over time, often leading to progressive decline in lung function and overall health.
  2. Unexplained Weight Loss and Fatigue: Unintentional weight loss, accompanied by persistent fatigue, is more commonly associated with lung cancer. These symptoms may not be present in asthma cases unless there are complications or comorbidities.
  3. Hemoptysis (Coughing up Blood): Coughing up blood, even in small amounts, is a significant red flag for lung cancer and should not be overlooked. This symptom is rare in asthma cases and necessitates immediate medical attention.
  4. Family History and Age: A family history of lung cancer increases the risk of developing the disease. Additionally, lung cancer is more prevalent in older individuals, while asthma can affect people of all ages.

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

Can you distinguish the symptoms of lung cancer from those of asthma?
Lung cancer symptoms include persistent, non-relieving cough with blood, chest pain and infections, breathlessness, exhaustion, loss of appetite, dilatation of neck and supraclavicular lymph nodes, fever and severe body aches whereas asthma is characterized by wheezing, dyspnea, chest tightness and coughing. Although, both of these illnesses share many of the same symptoms, but key differences include chest pain and hemoptysis.

Last Updated on June 4, 2023 by Shabnam Sengupta

Disclaimer: Medical Science is an ever evolving field. We strive to keep this page updated. In case you notice any discrepancy in the content, please inform us at [email protected]. You can futher read our Correction Policy here. Never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking medical treatment because of something you have read on or accessed through this website or it's social media channels. Read our Full Disclaimer Here for further information.

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Aditi Gangal
Aditi Gangal
A science graduate by education and a content writer by profession, Aditi prefers doing research and analysis at THIP. With a keen eye for detail, she works as a responsible fact checker who sincerely analyses fake news. A proactive and confident writer, she enjoys writing on health and wellbeing.
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