Persistent Cough Or Wheezing? These ‘Allergy-Like’ Symptoms Could Be Early Signs Of Lung Cancer
Reported By :
- Surbhi Pathak
- ,News18.com
Last Updated:August 03, 2026, 10:27 IST
Most chest infections clear with proper treatment. But if bronchitis or pneumonia keeps returning, especially in the same part of the lung, it may point to an underlying blockage
Rapid Read
Rapid Read
Summarized by AI.
+
Persistent cough/wheezing may signal lung cancer.
Repeated chest infections can indicate a blockage.
Seek medical advice for lingering symptoms.
More Rapid Read
Like this summary?
Share Your Feedback
According to WHO, lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with an estimated 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2022. (Representative image: Canva)
A lingering cough that refuses to go away. Breathlessness while climbing a flight of stairs. Wheezing that feels like asthma. Or repeated chest infections that seem to improve with treatment—only to return weeks later. Most people are likely to blame these symptoms on seasonal allergies, a viral infection or asthma. In many cases, they are exactly that. But when these problems persist, worsen or behave differently than usual, doctors say they deserve closer attention
According to the World Health Organization (WHO) and the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC), lung cancer remains the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, with an estimated 2.5 million new cases and 1.8 million deaths in 2022. If current trends continue, the global burden is projected to rise to about 4.62 million new cases and 3.55 million deaths annually by 2050
Recommended Stories
The key, experts say, is recognising symptoms early rather than dismissing them as routine respiratory problems
Lung Cancer Is Not ‘Silent’
Many people describe lung cancer as a “silent disease,” but Dr (Brig.) AK Dhar, Clinical Director & HOD, BMT Physician, Department of Medical Oncology, Marengo Asia Hospitals, Gurugram, believes that isn’t entirely accurate
“No disease is truly silent. Every disease manifests in some way. The problem is that lung cancer may present with subtle or atypical symptoms that are mistaken for common illnesses, making the disease appear ‘silent’,” he explains. According to him, the classic warning signs of lung cancer include:
- Persistent cough
- Breathlessness
- Chest pain
- Blood in the sputum
If these symptoms are ignored or attributed to minor illnesses for too long, diagnosis may be delayed
A Persistent Cough That Does Not Improve
One of the earliest warning signs is a cough that does not go away
A cough caused by a viral infection usually improves within a few weeks. Allergy-related coughs often occur alongside sneezing, itchy eyes or seasonal triggers, while asthma tends to respond to inhalers
However, Dr Ullas Batra, Co-Director – Medical Oncology and Chief of Thoracic Medical Oncology at Rajiv Gandhi Cancer Institute & Research Centre (RGCIRC), New Delhi, says a cough that persists, worsens or changes in character should never be ignored
“A persistent cough becomes more concerning if it is accompanied by blood in the sputum, chest pain, hoarseness, unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite, fatigue or breathlessness. While these symptoms can occur due to other conditions, they are also commonly associated with lung cancer and require medical evaluation.”
Doctors advise seeking medical attention if a cough lasts more than three weeks, especially if it doesn’t improve despite treatment
Don’t Assume Breathlessness Is Just Asthma
Feeling unusually breathless during routine activities or developing wheezing as an adult isn’t always asthma
“New-onset wheezing in adults should not automatically be labelled as asthma, particularly in someone with no previous history,” says Dr Batra
A tumour growing near or within an airway can narrow the passage, leading to wheezing, noisy breathing or gradually worsening breathlessness
Dr Parveen Yadav, Chief & Senior Consultant – Minimal Invasive & Robotic Thoracic Onco Surgery at Artemis Hospitals, adds:
“Persistent and unexplained shortness of breath should not simply be attributed to asthma or allergies. Lung tumours can compress the airways and interfere with normal airflow.”
People who smoke, have smoked in the past, are regularly exposed to second-hand smoke, air pollution, occupational dust or fumes, or have a family history of cancer should be particularly vigilant
Repeated Chest Infections Could Signal An Underlying Problem
Most chest infections clear with proper treatment. But if bronchitis or pneumonia keeps returning, especially in the same part of the lung, it may point to an underlying blockage
“A tumour can partially block an airway, allowing mucus to collect and infections to recur,” explains Dr Batra
Dr Yadav agrees, noting that recurrent chest infections that return after treatment may require additional investigation rather than repeated courses of antibiotics
The Less Obvious Symptoms That Often Go Unnoticed
Not every warning sign begins with coughing. Dr Dhar says that lung cancer can sometimes present with subtle symptoms that are easy to dismiss, including:
- Persistent shoulder or arm pain
- Hoarseness or voice changes lasting more than two weeks
- Constant fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest
- Finger clubbing, where the fingertips become rounded and enlarged
- Unexplained weight loss or reduced appetite
In advanced cases, symptoms such as bone pain, headaches, weakness or balance problems may occur if the cancer has spread beyond the lungs
When Should You See A Doctor?
Experts stress that most coughs and breathing problems are not caused by cancer. Viral infections, allergies and asthma remain far more common. However, medical evaluation is recommended if you experience:
- A cough lasting longer than three weeks
- Blood in the sputum
- Worsening breathlessness
- New wheezing without a history of asthma
- Repeated chest infections
- Persistent chest pain
- Unexplained weight loss or fatigue
- Hoarseness lasting more than two weeks
Depending on the symptoms, doctors may recommend a physical examination, chest X-ray, CT scan, sputum analysis, bronchoscopy or biopsy
Early Diagnosis Can Save Lives
Watch more videos
Smoking remains the biggest risk factor for lung cancer, but experts note that the disease is increasingly being diagnosed in people exposed to air pollution, second-hand smoke and certain occupational hazards. Changing global trends have also shown rising lung cancer rates among women in several countries
Dr Dhar advises people not to ignore symptoms that linger beyond three weeks. “If subtle or non-specific symptoms persist, consult a medical oncologist. Early diagnosis offers better treatment options and significantly improves outcomes.”
About the Author
Surbhi PathakSurbhi Pathak, subeditor, writes on India, world affairs, science, and education. She is currently dabbling with lifestyle content. Follow her on X: @S_Pathak_11.
tags :cancer
Click here to add News18 as your preferred news source on Google.Get Latest Updates on Bankipur Election Results, Datia Election Results, Manjalpur Election Results, Election Results 2026 Live News
Location :New Delhi, India, India
First Published:August 03, 2026, 10:27 IST
Newslifestylehealth-and-fitnessPersistent Cough Or Wheezing? These ‘Allergy-Like’ Symptoms Could Be Early Signs Of Lung Cancer
Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Loading comments…
