Coughing and shortness of breath are common symptoms shared by both lung cancer and asthma. With lung cancer accounting for approximately 12.5% of all newly diagnosed cancer cases worldwide and asthma affecting close to 300 million people globally, it’s crucial to differentiate between the two conditions.
While wheezing is more commonly associated with asthma, chest pain and coughing up blood are telltale signs of lung cancer. Exposure to irritants and allergens triggers asthma flare-ups, whereas smoking cigarettes significantly increases the risk of lung cancer.
Age is a significant factor to consider, as lung cancer is typically diagnosed later in life, while asthma is often diagnosed in the second or third decade. Additionally, understanding trigger factors—such as household dust and pollution—for asthma and recognizing symptoms like haemoptysis (coughing up blood) can help differentiate between the two conditions.
Individuals with lung cancer may experience associated symptoms like fatigue, unexplained weight loss, and severe bone pain, which are not typically seen in asthmatics. Moreover, while asthma symptoms are usually well controlled with medication, symptoms of lung cancer often do not resolve until specific cancer-directed therapies are initiated.
By considering these factors, individuals and healthcare professionals can better distinguish between the symptoms of lung cancer and asthma, leading to timely and appropriate management strategies for each condition.
