Tos y esputo como señales ocultas de cáncer de pulmón

Title: Cough and Sputum as Hidden Signs of Lung Cancer. Profile: Changes in phlegm may alert to lung cancer. Persistent changes require immediate medical attention. Keywords: ['Health and health knowledge.', 'Prevention and treatment of lung cancer.'] Author: Zhang Huanhuan, chief nurse of the thoracic surgery department at the Oncology Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Contributors: Liu Xiaoyan, nurse of the thoracic surgery department at the Oncology Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Zhou Qing, chief nurse of the thoracic surgery department at the Oncology Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Reviewer: Zhang Na, deputy nursing director of the Thoracic Surgery Department at the Oncology Hospital of the Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. Note: The cover image is from a copyright image library, reuse may lead to copyright disputes.

Most people consider "coughing up phlegm" to be just a mild cold, but if the color, amount, or odor of the phlegm changes persistently, it is highly likely that the lungs are sending an alert signal.

Sputum refers to the excessive production of mucus by the mucosa of the airways, which is expelled from the body through coughing. In various diseases, the nature, color, quantity, and odor of sputum may vary. In healthy individuals, mucus is generally clear or white; when it changes to colors such as green, brown, red, or has blood streaks and persists for more than 2 to 3 weeks, it should alert to possible underlying diseases, including lung cancer.

The reasons for coughing up phlegm in lung cancer can be summarized as follows: 1. Tumor pressure: The growth of lung cancer tumors may compress the airways, causing narrowing or obstruction, leading to coughing and sputum production. 2. Increased secretion: Lung cancer may irritate the airways, resulting in increased mucus secretion, which may cause coughing up phlegm. 3. Secondary infections: Lung cancer patients may be more susceptible to infections, such as pneumonia, due to immune system effects, leading to coughing and sputum. 4. Inflammatory response: The presence of tumors may trigger local inflammatory responses that cause the airways to produce more phlegm, resulting in coughing. 5. Shedding of cancer cells: During the progression of lung cancer, cancer cells may shed into the trachea or bronchi, leading to irritation and sputum.

The tumor obstructs or irritates the bronchial mucosa.

The local stimulation of the tumor mass leads to hyperplasia of goblet cells and high mucus secretion, resulting in increased sputum production, often white frothy or thick sputum.

2. Combined obstructive pneumonia.

A tumor obstructs the bronchus, leading to infection in the distal lung tissue, resulting in yellowish and foul-smelling sputum, accompanied by fever.

3. Necrosis and hemorrhage on the surface of the tumor.

Rupture of capillaries leads to sputum with traces of blood, rusty sputum, or hemoptysis (coughing up blood).

4. Obstruction of pleural or lymphatic drainage.

It causes "lungs with edema" changes, leading to pink frothy sputum, although it is relatively rare.

Three, the five "warning signs" of sputum in lung cancer.

If any of these situations occur, seek medical attention promptly.

Fourth, the relationship between the different characteristics of sputum and lung cancer.

Note: In the early stages of lung cancer, there may only be "white sputum", so do not let your guard down just because there is no blood.

If you find blood in your sputum, what you should do immediately is: 1. Do not panic: Blood in sputum can be caused by various reasons, some less severe than others. 2. Consult a doctor: It is essential to schedule an appointment with a healthcare professional to assess the cause of the bleeding. 3. Take note of symptoms: Pay attention to other symptoms you may present, such as persistent cough, fever, weight loss, or difficulty breathing, and share them with your doctor. 4. Avoid self-medication: Do not take medication without the supervision of a doctor until necessary tests have been done.

1) Stay calm, lie on your side to prevent asphyxiation; record the amount of bleeding (mucus with a little blood/full mouth of blood/24 h >100 mL).

2) Go to the doctor immediately, bringing recent X-rays or CT scans; avoid intense exercise and hot baths.

Do not take powerful antihistamines on your own to prevent blood clots from blocking the airways.

Sixth, recommendations for daily management and prevention.

1) Quit smoking and avoid secondhand smoke: Smoking is the main culprit of both lung cancer and COPD (chronic obstructive pulmonary disease).

Ventilated cooking: Reducing the inhalation of oil smoke when cooking at high temperatures can decrease the risk of lung cancer in non-smoking women.

3) Use a protective mask properly: Workers exposed to asbestos, cadmium, radon, and other occupational hazards should follow protection regulations.

4) Annual low-dose CT scan: Early detection of lesions can occur in individuals over 40 who have smoked at least 20 pack-years.

5) Learn how to "cough effectively": inhale deeply, hold your breath for 1 second, contract your abdominal muscles, and cough, which can help expel phlegm and reduce lung collapse.

Seven: Three action lists for readers.

1) Keep a "sputum diary": record the color, quantity, presence of blood, and accompanying symptoms; taking photos is even better.

If there is blood in the sputum or if it persists for more than 3 weeks, regardless of whether there is fever or not, go directly to the pulmonology specialty without repeatedly self-medicating with antibiotics.

If pulmonary nodules are found, follow your doctor's instructions for follow-up; if the characteristic of sputum changes suddenly, a prompt review should be made.

A seemingly common phlegm may be the "distress signal" that your lungs are sending you.

Do not ignore small changes in color and odor: early review increases the chances of recovery.

Health advice: This article is for informational purposes only and should not be used as a basis for diagnosis or treatment. Please follow the guidance of a professional doctor.