You may feel healthy, stay active and have no obvious illness, yet your lungs could still be showing early signs of trouble. The problem is that lung problems do not always begin with severe breathing difficulty. Sometimes, the first clues appear during ordinary activities such as climbing stairs, walking a short distance or simply breathing. Three symptoms deserve particular attention: unusual breathlessness, a whistling sound while breathing and a persistent cough with phlegm. Knowing what these signs can mean may help you recognise when it is time to stop ignoring the problem and speak to a doctor.
