Many lung problems, including COVID-19, flu, pneumonia, TB, asthma, COPD and even lung cancer, begin with ordinary-looking symptoms like cough, fever or breathlessness. Because these feel common, people often wait, self-medicate, or hope they’ll pass. In this video, Dr. Dipak Viradia, Chest Physician & Intensivist, explains why early check-up and treatment make such a difference.

Why early diagnosis matters. Most lung conditions are easier to treat, with better outcomes, when caught early. Delay can allow an infection to spread through the lungs, oxygen levels to fall, and long-term conditions like COPD, TB or lung cancer to progress to a more advanced stage.

Symptoms you should get checked:

• Cough lasting more than 2–3 weeks
• Fever lasting more than 2–3 days, or fever with cough or breathlessness
• Breathlessness while walking, climbing stairs or doing routine work
• Wheezing or chest tightness
• Coughing up blood
• Chest pain while breathing or coughing
• Unexplained weight loss, loss of appetite or night sweats
• Frequent chest infections that keep coming back
• A change in a long-standing “smoker’s cough”

Seek emergency care immediately if there is:

• Severe breathlessness, or breathlessness at rest
• Oxygen level (SpO₂) falling below normal on a pulse oximeter
• Bluish lips or nails
• Confusion, drowsiness or fainting
• Chest pain with breathlessness

Who should be extra careful. Elderly people, smokers and former smokers, people with diabetes, heart, kidney or lung disease, those with weak immunity, and pregnant women can become seriously ill more quickly and should consult a doctor early.

What a check-up may include. Depending on symptoms, your doctor may advise a clinical examination, oxygen level check, chest X-ray or CT scan, blood tests, tests for COVID-19, flu or TB, and a lung function test (spirometry).

Don’t self-medicate. Antibiotics, steroids and cough syrups taken without diagnosis can hide symptoms, delay the right treatment, and cause harm.

Dr. Dipak Viradia
Chest Physician & Intensivist | Interventional Pulmonologist & ECMO Specialist
Rudrax Chest Clinic, 301, Solaris Royce, Opp. Old RTO, Athwagate, Ring Road, Surat – 395001
Appointment: +91 75676 19985
Website: www.drdipakviradia.com