Lung Symptoms That Shouldn’t Be Ignored
Recognising the Signs of a Possible Lung Condition
Many people live with undiagnosed lung conditions for months or even years, often putting symptoms down to stress, ageing or lack of fitness. If you're experiencing ongoing symptoms like shortness of breath, persistent coughing, fatigue, wheezing, or chest pain, it’s important to get checked early. These signs may point to a chronic or progressive lung disease that can be better managed when caught early.
At North Brisbane Sleep & Thoracic (NBST), the respiratory specialists can provide expert diagnosis and care for a wide range of lung conditions. A simple referral from your GP is all that’s needed.
Common Symptoms of Lung Disease
Although some lung diseases may come with their own symptoms, here is a list of common symptoms related to most (if not all) lung diseases.
- Shortness of Breath (Dyspnoea). It’s normal to feel breathless after physical activity, but if you're becoming winded doing everyday tasks or feel short of breath without a clear reason, it could indicate an underlying lung problem such as asthma, COPD, or interstitial lung disease.
- Persistent Cough. Coughing that lasts longer than 3 weeks should not be ignored. Whether dry or productive, a chronic cough can be a symptom of conditions like chronic bronchitis, asthma, bronchiectasis, or even lung cancer.
- Wheezing. A high-pitched or whistling sound when breathing, especially during exhalation, is often associated with narrowed airways and may signal asthma, COPD, or airway inflammation.
- Fatigue or Low Energy. Constant tiredness even after a good night’s sleep, can be a sign that your lungs aren’t delivering enough oxygen to your body. Lung disease may affect your ability to breathe efficiently, leading to ongoing fatigue.
- Coughing Up Blood (Haemoptysis). Even a small amount of blood in your mucus is a red flag. While it may have minor causes, it can also indicate a serious condition, such as infection, bronchiectasis, or cancer. This symptom always requires urgent investigation.
- Chronic Chest Pain or Discomfort. Chest tightness or ongoing discomfort that’s not linked to movement or digestion should be assessed by a doctor. Lung-related causes include pleurisy, infection, or underlying lung disease.
- Unexplained Weight Loss. Losing weight without changes to diet or exercise may signal a systemic issue, including chronic lung infections, advanced COPD, or lung cancer.
- Mucus or Phlegm Production. Producing mucus is normal at times, but if you're coughing up phlegm regularly or without clear cause, it could be related to bronchitis, bronchiectasis, or other chronic lung conditions.
When to Seek Specialist Help
If you're experiencing any of the above symptoms, especially if they’ve been ongoing for more than 7 days, it’s time to investigate further.
Take our to check if your symptoms could benefit from further assessment.
National Lung Cancer Screening (From 1 July 2025)
The Australian Government’s National Lung Cancer Screening Program offers eligible Australians a low-dose CT scan to detect early-stage lung cancer. As a trusted respiratory group in Brisbane, NBST is your referral partner for managing patients through screening and follow-up care at both our Clayfield and North Lakes locations.
Contact us to book an appointment
Visit us at either our Clayfield or North Lakes locations and experience compassionate care in a comfortable environment, tailored to meet your unique needs.
