Sign 7: Recurring Infections
The human body, in its quest to maintain a state of balance, often encounters invaders like viruses and bacteria. Common colds, bouts of flu, or occasional respiratory infections are par for the course. However, when infections recur, turning into a constant, unwelcome companion, it’s time to delve deeper into their cause. Repeated respiratory infections, especially ones that seem stubborn against treatments, can be indicative of an underlying malignancy within the lungs.
Cancer, by its very nature, is invasive. As tumors grow within the lung’s delicate architecture, they can block air passages. This blockade sets the stage for infections. With the passageway blocked, mucus accumulates, creating a fertile ground for bacteria to thrive, leading to infections. These infections, caused by the tumor’s obstructions, recur and are often resistant to typical treatments.
Lung cancer and respiratory infections share symptoms. Coughing, fatigue, difficulty breathing – they’re common to both. But the devil is in the details. It’s the persistence of these symptoms, their resistance to treatment, and their association with other concerning signs like unexplained weight loss or blood in the mucus, which heightens the suspicion of cancer.
A recurring respiratory infection, in isolation, might not set off alarm bells. But the clinical picture changes when viewed in conjunction with other symptoms. A chronic cough, unexplained fatigue, weight loss, and voice changes, combined with persistent infections, create a pattern hard to ignore. It’s this collective that often pushes physicians to probe further, investigating the possibility of lung cancer. (7)
