By Dr. Lim Jin Lee, Consultant in Respiratory and Internal Medicine, Gleneagles Hospital Johor
Your respiratory system plays a vital role in keeping you alive — delivering oxygen throughout your body and removing carbon dioxide. When something goes wrong, your body often sends warning signs. However, many people dismiss these symptoms as “just a cough” or “simple tiredness.” Ignoring them could delay diagnosis and treatment of serious respiratory conditions.
According to Dr. Lim Jin Lee, Consultant in Respiratory and Internal Medicine (Pulmonologist) at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, early recognition of these signs can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes. Here are five red flags from your respiratory system that you should never ignore:
1. Persistent Cough That Lasts More Than 3 Weeks
A cough that lingers beyond three weeks is not something to brush off. While it might be due to allergies or infections, it could also be a symptom of chronic bronchitis, asthma, tuberculosis, or even lung cancer. If your cough persists or is accompanied by breathlessness, weight loss, or produces blood-streaked phlegm, seek medical attention immediately.
2. Shortness of Breath During Routine Activities
If climbing stairs or walking short distances suddenly makes you breathless, it may indicate an underlying respiratory or cardiac issue. “Shortness of breath that limits your daily activities is often a symptom of diseases like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or heart failure,” explains Dr. Lim. Early evaluation allows early intervention and helps preserve lung function.
3. Chest Pain When Breathing or Coughing
Chest discomfort that worsens when you breathe deeply, cough, or move can be linked to pleurisy (inflammation of the lung lining), pneumonia, or even pulmonary embolism (a blood clot in the lungs). Dr. Lim advises that chest pain, especially when accompanied by shortness of breath or dizziness, should be treated as a medical emergency.
4. Wheezing or Noisy Breathing
Wheezing is a high-pitched sound during breathing caused by narrowed airways. It may signal asthma, COPD, or airway obstruction. “Breathing should never sound strained,” says Dr. Lim. “If you hear a whistling or rattling sound when you breathe, it’s time to see a pulmonologist for a proper assessment.”
5. Unexplained Fatigue and Weight Loss
Feeling unusually tired or losing weight without changes in diet or exercise could point to a chronic infection or even lung cancer. Respiratory diseases often reduce oxygen delivery to the body, leading to fatigue and general weakness. These symptoms should not be ignored, especially if they occur with coughing or shortness of breath.
When to Seek Help
If you notice any of these warning signs, it’s crucial to consult a respiratory specialist early. At Gleneagles Hospital Johor, Dr. Lim Jin Lee, a Consultant in Respiratory and Internal Medicine, provides comprehensive evaluation and treatment for a wide range of lung and breathing disorders.
With advanced diagnostic facilities and a patient-centred approach, Gleneagles Hospital Johor offers specialized care for conditions such as asthma, COPD, pneumonia, lung infections, and lung cancer.
Breathe Easier, Live Better
Your lungs are the foundation of your wellbeing — don’t ignore what they’re telling you.
To ensure optimal respiratory health, Schedule a consultation with Dr. Lim Jin Lee, Pulmonologist at Gleneagles Hospital Johor, for expert care and peace of mind.
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