Lung cancer vs infection: How to differentiate between these lung diseases

A chest infection is an infection of the lungs or airways. The main types of chest infections are bronchitis and pneumonia. According to the NHS UK, bronchitis is caused by viruses while pneumonia is mainly caused by bacteria. Both these infections may share the same symptoms as lung cancer. Lung cancer is a type of cancer that starts in the lungs, when cells begin to grow out of control. Here is how to differentiate between lung cancer vs lung infection.

Lung infections are contagious. When an infected person coughs or sneezes, they launch tiny droplets of fluid containing the virus or bacteria into the air. This can be breathed in by others, putting them too, at risk of the infection. The case with Coronavirus is the same, that had led to a long, deadly pandemic.

When it comes to causes of lung cancer, smoking is the number one cause, responsible for about 90 percent of lung cancer cases. Some people may also be at risk due to a family history of lung cancer.

Here are some signs associated with chest infection. A persistent cough, coughing up yellow or green phlegm or coughing up blood. Other signs include breathlessness or rapid and shallow breathing, wheezing, fever, a rapid heartbeat, chest pain or tightness. Feeling confused and disorientated are also possible symptoms.

Most people recover from a chest infection in a matter of weeks. However, a persistent cough, breathlessness, and unexplained pain could be signs of lung cancer. Repeated chest infections could also be due to lung cancer.

The key in determining if it's a chest infection or cancer-related symptoms is time. If symptoms such as cough persist for a time period longer than three weeks or more, it is best to see a doctor to rule out any possibility of cancer. The same applies for recurrent chest infections. Note that it is not necessary for these signs to be associated with cancer. Your doctor can diagnose properly.

Apart from the above mentioned complications, additional symptoms of lung cancer include coughing up blood, chest or shoulder pain that does not get better, a hoarse voice for three weeks or more, loss of appetite and unexplained weight loss.

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