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Published on: May 04, 2022
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Expert

Lung Cancer Causes, Symptoms, Diagnosis & Treatment

What Causes Lung Cancer?

There is no one answer to this question as lung cancer can be caused by a variety of things, including exposure to tobacco smoke, radon gas, asbestos fibers, and secondhand smoke. However, the most common cause of lung cancer is smoking cigarettes. In fact, smoking is responsible for about 85% of all lung cancer cases in the United States.

Symptoms of Lung Cancer

Lung cancer symptoms can differ depending on how advanced the disease is. In its early stages, lung cancer may not cause any symptoms at all. As it progresses, however, you may start to experience cough (with or without blood), chest pain, shortness of breath, trouble swallowing,

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in men and women in the United States. Smoking cigarettes is the main risk factor for developing lung cancer, but studies have shown that people who have never smoked cigarettes can also get lung cancer. The second leading cause of lung cancer is long-term exposure to radon gas. There are two main types of lung cancer, small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). The type of lung cancer you have will play a role in what treatment options are available to you.

Cigarette smoking is responsible for approximately 85% of all lung cancers. Lung cancer symptoms can be hard to identify in the early stages of the disease. Many times, people don’t experience any symptoms until the cancer has spread. When present, common symptoms of lung cancer include:

-A cough that doesn’t go away or gets worse over time

-Chest pain that is often worse with deep breathiing, coughing or laughing

-Hoarseness

Approximately 1 out of 3 cancer deaths in the US is caused by lung cancer. The two main types of lung cancer are small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC) and non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC). These two types of lung cancer differ in their histology, etiology, and response to treatment. Lung cancer can be caused by a number of risk factors, including smoking, asbestos exposure, air pollution, and radiation exposure. Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for developing lung cancer; it is estimated that about 90% of all lung cancers are due to smoking cigarettes.

While the exact cause of lung cancer is unknown, it is believed to be caused by a combination of genetic and environmental factors. The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away, but other symptoms may include shortness of breath, chest pain, or weight loss. If you experience any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your doctor right away so that they can rule out other potential causes and begin appropriate treatment.

There are two main types of lung cancer: non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) and small cell lung cancer (SCLC). NSCLC makes up around 85% of all lung cancers, while SCLC accounts for the remaining 15%. The two types differ in their cells' structure and how they grow.

Lung cancer symptoms can include a cough that does not go away, shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue. Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related deaths worldwide, and it is estimated that 1 in 8 men and 1 in 9 women will develop lung cancer in their lifetime. There are two main types of lung cancer: small cell lung cancer (SCLC) and non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). The most common symptom of lung cancer is a cough that does not go away, and other symptoms include shortness of breath, chest pain, hoarseness, weight loss, and fatigue.

Lung cancer causes more deaths than the next three most common cancers combined (colorectal, breast, and pancreatic). Smoking is by far the most important risk factor for lungcancer. Tobacco smoking is estimated to be responsible for 87% of lung cancer cases in men and 70% in women. The risk of developing lung cancer increases with the number of cigarettes smoked per day and the duration of smoking. Cigarette smokers have about 20 times the risk of developing lung cancer as compared to non-smokers.

Symptoms of lung cancer include coughing up blood, difficulty breathing, and persistent pain in the chest or shoulder. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor right away. A diagnosis can be made through a combination of imaging tests (X-ray, CT scan, PET scan) and biopsies (removing tissue to examine under a microscope). Treatment options for lung cancer depend on the stage of the disease and can include surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or targeted therapy.

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Sleep Disorder Treatment: Effective Ways to Restore Healthy Sleep

Sleep is a fundamental biological process essential for physical restoration, mental clarity and emotional balance. Despite its importance, sleep disorders are increasingly common across all age groups. Millions of people struggle with poor sleep quality, difficulty falling asleep or frequent nighttime awakenings, often without seeking help.

Effective sleep disorder treatment plays a critical role in restoring healthy sleep patterns and preventing long-term health complications.

Understanding Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders are conditions that disrupt normal sleep patterns, affecting the ability to fall asleep, stay asleep or achieve restorative sleep. They can be short-term or chronic and may occur due to lifestyle factors, medical conditions or psychological stress.

According to global and Indian health data, sleep disorders are underdiagnosed despite their strong association with chronic diseases.

Common Types of Sleep Disorders

Insomnia

Insomnia is the most common sleep disorder.

It involves:

difficulty falling asleep
frequent awakenings
early morning waking
non-restorative sleep

Chronic insomnia significantly affects daily functioning.

Sleep Apnea

Sleep apnea is a serious condition where breathing repeatedly stops during sleep.

Symptoms include:

loud snoring
daytime sleepiness
morning headaches

Untreated sleep apnea increases cardiovascular risk.

Restless Leg Syndrome

This condition causes uncomfortable leg sensations and an urge to move the legs, especially at night.

It disrupts sleep continuity and quality.

Circadian Rhythm Disorders

These occur when the body’s internal clock is misaligned with daily schedules, common in shift workers and frequent travellers.

Why Sleep Disorders Should Not Be Ignored

Chronic sleep problems increase the risk of:

heart disease
hypertension
diabetes
obesity
depression and anxiety
reduced immunity

Poor sleep affects both physical and mental health.

Causes of Sleep Disorders

Sleep disorders often result from multiple factors, including:

chronic stress
irregular sleep schedules
excessive screen exposure
caffeine or alcohol use
medical conditions
mental health disorders

Identifying root causes is essential for effective treatment.

Diagnosis of Sleep Disorders

Diagnosis involves:

detailed sleep history
lifestyle assessment
medical evaluation
sleep studies in selected cases

Accurate diagnosis guides appropriate treatment.

Sleep Disorder Treatment Approaches

Behavioural and Cognitive Therapy

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective non-drug treatment.

It focuses on:

correcting sleep-related thoughts
improving sleep routines
reducing anxiety around sleep

CBT-I is recommended as first-line treatment for chronic insomnia.

Lifestyle and Sleep Hygiene Measures

Good sleep hygiene includes:

maintaining regular sleep timings
limiting screen exposure before bedtime
creating a comfortable sleep environment
avoiding heavy meals late at night

These measures support natural sleep regulation.

Medical Management

Medications may be used:

short-term for severe symptoms
under medical supervision

Medication is often combined with behavioural therapy rather than used alone.

Treatment for Sleep Apnea

Management may include:

weight management
positional therapy
continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) devices
treating underlying conditions

Early treatment reduces cardiovascular risk.

Role of Mental Health in Sleep Disorders

Sleep and mental health are closely connected.

Conditions such as anxiety and depression:

disrupt sleep architecture
worsen insomnia
require integrated treatment

Addressing mental health improves sleep outcomes.

Importance of Consistency in Treatment

Sleep disorder treatment requires:

patience
consistency
follow-up

Improvement may take weeks, but sustained effort yields lasting results.

Preventing Sleep Disorders

Preventive strategies include:

stress management
physical activity
balanced nutrition
limiting stimulants
maintaining work-life balance

Prevention is more effective than treatment alone.

Impact of Technology on Sleep

Excessive screen use affects melatonin production and delays sleep onset.

Reducing nighttime screen exposure significantly improves sleep quality.

When to Seek Professional Help

Consult a healthcare provider if:

sleep problems persist beyond two weeks
daytime functioning is affected
snoring and breathing pauses are noticed
sleepiness interferes with safety

Early treatment prevents complications.

Long-Term Benefits of Treating Sleep Disorders

Effective sleep disorder treatment leads to:

improved energy and concentration
better mood and emotional stability
reduced chronic disease risk
enhanced quality of life

Healthy sleep supports overall wellbeing.

Conclusion

Sleep disorder treatment is essential for restoring physical health, mental clarity and emotional balance. While sleep problems are common, they are not normal or harmless. Insomnia, sleep apnea and other sleep disorders can be effectively managed through behavioural therapy, lifestyle changes and medical care when needed. Early recognition and consistent treatment not only improve sleep quality but also protect long-term health. Prioritising sleep is a powerful step toward a healthier and more productive life.

References

Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Sleep Health and Lifestyle Studies
World Health Organization (WHO) – Sleep and Mental Health Guidelines
National Institute of Mental Health and Neurosciences (NIMHANS) – Sleep Disorders Research
Lancet Psychiatry – Sleep Disorders and Chronic Disease Risk
NITI Aayog – Mental Health and Preventive Healthcare Reports
Statista – Global Sleep Disorder Prevalence and Trends

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