From the Guidelines
Respiratory symptoms include cough, shortness of breath, wheezing, chest pain, chest tightness, rapid breathing, noisy breathing, coughing up blood (hemoptysis), excessive mucus production, sore throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, and sneezing, as noted in a recent study 1. These symptoms occur when there's irritation, inflammation, infection, or obstruction in the respiratory tract, from the nasal passages down to the lungs. The respiratory system's primary function is gas exchange, bringing oxygen into the body and removing carbon dioxide. When this process is compromised, symptoms develop as the body attempts to restore normal function. Some key symptoms to note include:
- Dyspnoea
- Wheezing
- Cough
- Chest tightness
- Increased sputum purulence
- Increased sputum volume, as mentioned in 1. Symptoms may vary in intensity depending on the underlying cause, which could range from common conditions like the common cold or allergies to more serious issues such as pneumonia, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), or lung cancer, as discussed in 1 and 1. If experiencing persistent or severe respiratory symptoms, medical attention should be sought for proper diagnosis and treatment, especially in cases of severe respiratory disorders, where exercise may be contraindicated due to the risk of fetal hypoxia, as noted in 1. In general, it is essential to monitor symptoms and adjust treatment accordingly, taking into account the severity of the disease and the individual's overall health, as recommended in 1.