All ‘red flag’ warning signs that suggest you have lung damage

Monitoring your internal health can be difficult, but external symptoms may signal serious issues with your lungs. Experts at Respiratory Therapy Zone (RTZ) urge people to recognize 13 key signs that could suggest respiratory problems—even if you don’t smoke. These include finger clubbing, chronic cough, shortness of breath, excess mucus, wheezing, and blue lips or fingertips, which can indicate low oxygen levels or airway obstruction. More severe symptoms such as coughing up blood, recurring chest pain, and frequent respiratory infections could point to underlying conditions like asthma, COPD, or even lung cancer.

Other warning signs include persistent chest tightness, unexplained weight loss, chronic fatigue, and swelling in the lower body. These may result from the body overexerting itself to breathe or from poor oxygen circulation, placing stress on the heart and lungs. RTZ emphasizes that catching these signs early is crucial for effective diagnosis and treatment. If you notice any of these symptoms, especially if they persist or worsen, it’s important to seek medical attention promptly.