Hydrogen peroxide is used for many things in the household, but it’s also a remedy that if you hadn’t known by now, it can be used to disinfect minor scratches and cuts – it’s what doctors usually use in the hospital when cleaning wounds.

But that’s not its only purpose. It can also be used for treating nail fungus because it has so many antifungal properties (makes sense it’s used to clean wounds), as well as antiseptic properties.

If you’re new to this and don’t really know how to use hydrogen peroxide for nail fungus, then just simply follow the steps we put together for you below:

First, obviously, you need to purchase it. Next:

1. Soak Your Feet In Hydrogen Peroxide

What you’ll need:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• Distilled water
• Plastic tub
• Tissues

How long:

30 minutes

Method

Mix equal parts of the hydrogen peroxide and distilled water in the plastic tub and soak your nails in it for 30 minutes. Dry them with a clean tissue and toss it. Make sure your nails are dry before doing the soaking.

How Often?

Every day even after the problem goes away.

Why This Works

Because as the oxygen levels increase, the fungus on your nails gets destroyed – the best case scenario.

2. Vinegar And Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus

Here’s what you’ll need:

• 3% hydrogen peroxide
• White vinegar/apple cider vinegar
• Distilled water
• Plastic tub
• Tissues

Pay attention:

While method 1 is often quoted as a solution to nail fungus on the internet, we recommend using method 2. This is because under certain conditions, mixing hydrogen peroxide and vinegar can form peracetic acid, which is a caustic chemical that does not share the desired properties to treat nail fungus.

How long:

Method 1 – 10 minutes

Method 2 – 30 minutes

Method

Mix e equal parts of the hydrogen peroxide, distilled water, and vinegar in the plastic tub and soak your feet for 10 minutes. Pat dry with a tissue and throw it afterwards.

How Often?

You have to repeat this process every day until, and even after, the problem subsides. Getting rid of nail fungus is not easy and will take a lot of patience and effort.

Why This Works

Vinegar is an acidic solution that restores the pH balance of your skin and nails. Apple cider vinegar is the best one to use in this situation.

3. Baking Soda And Hydrogen Peroxide For Nail Fungus

Here’s what you’ll need

• ½ cup baking soda
• 1 cup 3% hydrogen peroxide
• ¼ cup white vinegar
• 4 cups warm water
• ½ cup Epsom salt
• Plastic tub
• Tissues

How long?

10 minutes

Method

Mix everything together in a plastic tub and soak your feet in the tub for 10 minutes. Pat dry with a tissue and toss it.

 How Often?

Every day even after the problem goes away.

Why This Works

Baking soda has antifungal properties and it prevents the growth of fungus. Also, it will balance your skin’s pH levels while killing off fungus.

Since we are constantly surrounded by numerous toxins from various sources, and lead fast-paced lifestyles, toxins start to accumulate and clog the lymphatic system, residing the body in stress and weakening the immunity.

According to Medical News Today:

“The lymphatic system is part of the immune system. It also maintains fluid balance and plays a role in absorbing fats and fat-soluble nutrients.

The lymphatic or lymph system involves an extensive network of vessels that passes through almost all our tissues to allow for the movement of a fluid called lymph. Lymph circulates through the body in a similar way to blood. There are about 600 lymph nodes in the body. These nodes swell in response to infection, due to a build-up of lymph fluid, bacteria, or other organisms and immune system cells.

The lymphatic system plays a key role in the immune system, fluid balance, and absorption of fats and fat-soluble nutrients. ”

The lymphatic system supports every body system, so it is very important to flush it out from time to time and prevent numerous conditions, from cellulite to cancer.

The first symptom of lymph congestion is dehydration. To check this issue, sip hot water every 10-15 minutes throughout the day, and at the end of the day, if your mouth is dry and thirsty, you are dehydrated and your lymph is congested. To rehydrate the body, repeat this therapy for 2 weeks.

Additionally, drink 1/2 your ideal body weight in ounces of water daily during these two weeks.

Here are the most common symptoms of lymphatic congestion:

• Dry skin
• Mild rash or acne
• Swollen fingers
• Brain fog
• Weak immune system
• Mild headaches
• High histamine levels and irritations due to common environmental allergens
• Occasional constipation, diarrhea and/or mucus in the stool
• Swollen glands
• Itchy skin
• Tiredness
• Soreness and/or stiffness in the morning
• Bloating/water retention
• Weight gain and extra belly fat
• Breast swelling or soreness with each cycle
• Hypersensitivity

All red-staining foods are powerful natural lymph-moving agents that detoxify the body, including beets, berries,  Echinacea, Red Root, cherries, pomegranate, and cranberries.

Beets are among the most successful ones, as they thin the bile and scrub the villi of the gut, which is where the digestive lymph originates.

Therefore, combine the warm water rehydration therapy with the consumption of red foods, and you will optimize the function of the lymphatic system and improve overall health.

Disappearing Eyebrows

When the outer third of your eyebrow starts to disappear on its own, this is a common sign of thyroid disease, namely hypothyroidism.

A Stye That Won’t Go Away

If it doesn’t clear up in three months, or keeps recurring in the same location, it could be a rare cancer called sebaceous gland carcinoma. (1)

Burning Eyes, Blurry Vision While Using A Computer

This is the result of “computer vision syndrome” (CVS). The eyestrain is partly caused by the lack of contrast on a computer screen, and the extra work involved in focusing on pixels.

A Small Blind Spot in Your Vision, With Shimmering Lights or A Wavy Line

A migraine aura produces this disturbed vision. It may or may not be accompanied by a headache.

Whites of The Eye Turned Yellowish

This is known as jaundice. It appears in either new-borns with immature liver function, or adults with problems of the liver, gallbladder, or bile ducts. (2)

Eyes That Seem to Bulge

The most common cause of protruding eyes is hyperthyroidism, which is overactivity of the thyroid gland.

Sudden Double Vision, Dim Vision, or Loss of Vision

These are the visual warning signs of stroke.

Blurred Vision in a Diabetic

Diabetics are at increased risk for several eye problems, but the most common is diabetic retinopathy, in which diabetes affects the circulatory system of the eye. It’s the leading cause of blindness in American adults.

For the rest of the list, click on the link below.

Your eyesight is one of your most precious senses but it’s easy to take the gift of sight for granted, until it starts to fail. Unfortunately, one of the leading causes of blindness in American adults is a side effect of diabetes. This is disconcerting when you consider that today, nearly 1 in 4 Americans are either pre-diabetic or diabetic.

The increased use of computers and video display terminals (VDTs) at home and work has also led to an increase in vision problems due to eye strain. (3)

Iridology—Your Eyes as the Mirrors of Your Health?

The Yahoo Health article above brings up several interesting correlations between your eyes and your overall health by hinting at potential underlying health problems. Iridology, or iridodiagnosis, which is the study of the iris of your eye, is yet another technique in that same vein, used by some alternative health practitioners.

This theory goes back to the mid-17th Century, but iridology has yet to be recognized by mainstream medicine. In fact, the majority of medical professionals scoff at the idea.

The basic theory behind this technique is that various characteristics, such as patterns and colors, in specific zones of your iris can provide information about your systemic health. This is done by carefully examining your iris and matching it to iris charts. Using these charts, an iridologist can help identify systems and organs in your body that may be inflamed, or over- or underactive. It cannot, however, diagnose specific diseases—all it can do, at best, is give an indication of your systemic strengths or weaknesses. (4)

Antioxidants—Your Greatest Allies for Healthy Eyes

The job of an antioxidant compound is to neutralize dangerous free radicals in your body, including your eyes. A few of the antioxidants that have been shown to be of particular benefit to your eyes include:

• Lutein
• Zeaxanthin
• Black currant anthocyanins
• Astaxanthin

Here, I will discuss lutein and astaxanthin in particular as they are potent allies in the prevention of eye problems. (7)

Lutein Aids in the Protection of Your Central Vision

Macula lutea contain high concentrations of zeaxanthin and lutein.

It is believed that they have 2 important roles, and they are absorption of excess photon energy, and quenching free-radicals in the body before damaging the lipid membranes.

The miniature central part of the retina, called macula, is responsible for detailed and straight-ahead vision.

It contains the highest amount of lutein in our eyes.

In other words, lutein helps in the protection of out central vision.

This naturally occurring carotenoid can be found in orange and yellow fruits and veggies, as well as in green leafy veggies.

Foods and Their Lutein Content

Astaxanthin Protects Against 2 Leading Forms of Blindness

Lutein and zeaxanthin are very beneficial for our eyes, but science now reveals that the best carotenoid for the health of our eyes, and prevention of blindness is astaxanthin.

Astaxanthin is much more potent antioxidant that both zeaxanthin and lutein, and it has been discovered that provides protection from the following vision problems:

• Age-related macular degeneration (ARMD)
• Cataracts
• Diabetic retinopathy
• Retinal arterial occlusion
• Glaucoma
• Cystoid macular edema
• Venous occlusion
• Inflammatory eye diseases (scleritis, retinitis, keratitis, and iritis)

This antioxidant maintains proper eye pressure levels, and supports the visual acuity and energy levels of our eyes. Three of the leading causes of blindness in America are included in the list, and they are diabetic retinopathy, cataracts, and macular degeneration. This makes astaxanthin even more important.

An excellent source of astaxanthin and omega-3 fat is the krill oil, although there are many other astaxanthin supplements on the market ehose specific purpose is supporting the health of eyes.

If you decide to try astaxanthin, our advice is to begin with 2-4 mg a day. Those on a krill oil supplement should know that the concentration of astaxanthin is different in various krill products. Therefore, check the label.

Final Thoughts

The increased number of environmental contaminants and the reduction of the ozone layer expose our eyes to higher oxidation levels and more free radicals than in the past. What’s more, as we age, our body can’t produce the required antioxidant levels needed to counter the assault on our organs and tissues by various contaminants in food and water, pollution, pharmaceutical drugs, household chemicals, and high levels of stress on a daily basis.

Natural Strategies to Help Protect Your Vision

Before we tell you the nutritional factors that can help your vision, we will list several lifestyle strategies that will protect your eyesight as you age.

• Quit Smoking – Your body produces more free radicals if you smoke, which increases your risk of many health conditions, including impaired vision.
• Normalize Your Blood Sugar – If you have excessive blood sugar, it can pull fluid from your eye lens, thus reducing your focusing abilities. It also damages the retinal blood vessels and hinders the blood flow.
• Take Care of Your Cardiovascular System – Hypertension obstructs the free blood flow to the retina, damaging the tiny retinal blood vessels. Avoiding fructose is one of the best ways to maintain optimal blood pressure. The professor of medicine and the chief of the division of renal disease and hypertension at the University of Colorado, Dr. Richard Johnson, has conducted a research according to which 74 grams or more fructose on a daily basis, or two and a half sugary drinks, raises the risk of blood pressure levels of 160/100 mmHg by 77 %.
• Consume Kale and other Dark Green Leafy Vegetables. According to many studies, dark green leafy veggies support the health of eyes. People who consume vegetables rich in carotenoids, especially zeaxanthin and lutein, have improved vision health.
• Plenty of Healthy Omega-3 Fat. August 2001 issue of Archives of Ophthalmology discovered that omega-3 fatty acids have protective effects on our vision. However, because of the widespread fish farming and pollution, fish can’t be considered as the perfect source for omega-3 fats, unless its purity can be verified. The best alternative is krill oil, which includes astaxanthin in its content. This powerful antioxidant provides many health benefits for our eyes.
• Avoid Trans Fats. Increased intake of trans fats interferes with omega-3 fats in the body, thus contributing to macular degeneration. In order to protect your vision, avoid the following processed foods and baked good since they include trans fats in their content: fried foods like French fries, margarine, fried chicken and doughnuts, pastries, cookies, shortening, and crackers.
• Avoid aspartame. Aspartame poisoning can cause vision problems.

The milia, which is as well known as milk spots, is actually a harmless skin disorder which manifests in the form of small white bumps on the skin that are actually an accumulation of keratin and these usually appear in the area around the nose, cheeks and eyes, and they never go away once they do. They are actually very common in babies, but this doesn’t mean that they don’t affect adults. They may also appear as a result of high cholesterol.

This kind of spots are more likely to appear after a cosmetic procedure such as laser treatments or after heavy sunlight exposure and these are never a serious problem, and are merely a cosmetic one. They are able to ruin a person’s self-esteem when they appear in clusters, which is why people are looking for a way of getting rid of them. So, instead of going through a tough cosmetic procedure, however, there are many natural remedies which can help. Also you should try healthier lifestyle to control cholesterol levels in your body.

Here you have the top 7 natural remedies against cholesterol milk spots:

Steaming for cholesterol milk spots

This one  is a great and simple way of getting rid of the white spots on your face and deep cleaning your pores. What you have to do is, just boil a big pot of water and lean over it, then let the steam hit your face and open up your pores. Repeat this given  process every day and the milia should be gone in just a short time.

Oatmeal scrub

Grind a handful of oatmeal and mix with a bit of water, and after that scrub the mixture on your face to exfoliate it. Using this regularly will eliminate the keratin deposits under the surface of your skin and eliminate the milk spots.

Tomato juice

The tomato  juice in itself contains mild acidic compounds that can clean your pores and remove the milia from your skin. You just have to cut a tomato in half and rub it on your face, then let the juice work for up to half an hour and wash your face with water. What is best is to use the procedure twice a week.

Honey

Honey is actually very good  treatment for a variety of skin problems including milk spots. So, only rub some of the nectar on your face every day, while letting it work for 20-25 minutes before washing it off with lukewarm water.

Lemon and sugar

Take half a lemon and squeeze and add a tablespoon of sugar in it, then rub the mixture on your face in circular motion. Repeat this given  process every day and the milia should be gone soon.

Castor oil

This kind of oil can defeat a variety of skin disorders and also works great against milia. Mix this one with one tablespoon of olive oil and rub your face with the oily mixture. Leave this one  work its magic for 25 minutes, and then rinse with cold water.

Tea tree oil

Tea tree oil has some antibacterial and antiseptic properties in itself and is a great remedy against the milk spots on your face. It is suitable for  all skin types, and should be applied and left to work overnight. Rinse is down  with water in the morning, and you should notice the results after a few tries.

All of  these remedies on the list are completely natural and have no side-effects at all. Try them out yourself and you will actually  get rid of the milk spots in no time!

Facial hair is a common problem for a lot of women, which forces many to go to extreme lengths and spend hundreds of dollars on their removal. We must admit that they can be quite troublesome and cause self-esteem issues so it’s no wonder we want them eliminated in any way possible.

Facial-hair Laser treatments and commercial hair removal creams can give good results but many experience rashes and redness, due to the facial skin’s sensitivity to all those chemical compounds in them. That’s why it’s always better to try a more natural approach.

In this article we’ll share with you a natural recipe which will remove your facial hair in less than 15 minutes and leave your skin radiant and smooth.

The following recipe has been used in the Middle East for centuries and it not only removes the hair but it also makes your skin look healthier, brighter and smoother. Everyone who’s ever tried it says that they’re amazed by the excellent results. The recipe is rich in vitamins, minerals and antioxidants – a powerful combination which does wonders for your skin.

REQUIRED INGREDIENTS:

• 2 tbsp. honey.
• 1 tbsp. oatmeal paste.
• 2 tbsp. lemon juice.

How to Prepare and Apply:

1. Crush the oatmeal into fine powder and then mix all the ingredients into a thick paste.
2. Apply the mixture onto the desired area and leave it on for 15 minutes.
3. Wash your face with warm water and you’re done.
4. Apply some moisturizer afterwards and repeat the process 2-3 times a week for a month.

You’ll notice the hairs disappearing gradually until they’re completely gone for good.

Try this recipe out and tell us what you think, we’re sure you won’t be disappointed by the results. If you have sensitive skin consult a dermatologist before applying any homemade remedy, you wouldn’t want to make matters worse.

If you have normal skin you can try the paste on a small patch of skin on your arm just to make sure it doesn’t cause any irritations.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths (one in four) in both men and women. Treatment is more effective the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, so see your doctor if you notice any of the following lung cancer symptoms.

Coughing up blood

“Coughing up blood is never a good sign. Right then and there, go see your doctor,” says Raja Flores, MD, professor and chairman of thoracic surgery at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Although cancer may not necessarily be the cause of your bloody coughs, you should definitely get tested, he says.

Chest pain

Pay attention to chest, back, or shoulder pain that’s new and doesn’t go away. You may notice a feeling of tightness, or a sharp pain that can get worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. “You feel pain where the tumour is located,” says Dr. Flores. “If the tumour is to the side, you’ll feel pain on your side. If it’s toward the back of the chest, you’ll feel pain in your back.” Any chest pain warrants a call to your doctor, just in case, he says. Chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack.

A persistent cough

Coughing fits can be caused by something as simple as allergies, a cold, or water down the wrong pipe. But if your cough never seems to go away, it could be a sign of something more serious, like lung cancer. “Cancer in the airway can irritate your throat and make you cough,” says Dr. Flores. “There’s something in there that’s not supposed to be there, so your body is trying to get rid of it.” Cancer can also produce mucus, which exacerbates the cough and makes it worse.

Shortness of breath

If you’re suddenly winded after climbing the stairs, or your daily walk around the block leaves you gasping for breath, it could be a symptom of lung cancer. “Shortness of breath can come from a tumour blocking the windpipe. It can also stem from an accumulation of fluid in the chest that pushes on the lung and leaves you with a lack of air,” says Dr. Flores. When cancer forms in the lining of the lung, it causes fluid to build up in your chest; and although your chest can hold between three and four liters of fluid, when it completely fills up, the lungs are unable to get enough air, he says. Difficulty breathing when you’re sitting or lying down can also be a sign of a troublesome condition.

Feeling fatigued

If you feel rundown but haven’t made any changes to your daily routine, it could be a sign of cancer. “It may not specifically signal lung cancer, but it’s a definite red flag that something’s not right,” says Dr. Flores. Weight loss and loss of appetite is also a lung cancer sign, according to the American Cancer Society. Smoking, a family history of cancer, and asbestos exposure also increases your lung cancer risk.

An asthma diagnosis

Suffering from asthma by no means guarantees you’ll get lung cancer. However, if you’re diagnosed with asthma past childhood, it’s a good idea to get screened for lung cancer, says Dr. Flores. “It’s an unusual symptom, but it’s something to keep in the back of your mind if you’re a young adult or older and just got diagnosed with asthma,” he says. “Pulmonologists often listen to your lungs, hear wheezing, and treat it as asthma; but it’s a good idea to get a scan to make sure there’s not a tumour in there, which could be causing a blockage.”

Overall body pain

Since lung cancer often doesn’t present with symptoms until the later stages, it can go undiagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body. Headaches, dizziness and balance problems, or numbness in the limbs may mean the cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord. Yellowing of the skin and eyes could be a sign it has spread to the liver, and lumps on the body could mean the disease has spread to the skin or lymph nodes, according to the American Cancer Society.

Sometimes, we often ignore the symptoms we experience, but it is a fact that the deficiency of a single nutrient can lead to numerous health complications.

The American diet is greatly changed these days, which has led to numerous health issues, and deficiencies in various nutrients.

One of the most common deficiencies is the one of magnesium.

Magnesium is not easy to obtain from food sources, but it is extremely important for the human body.

This essential mineral is responsible for over 300 processes and chemical reactions in the body.

People took this nutrient in sufficient amounts previously, as it was prevalent in the soil years ago.

This is not the case today, mostly due to modern farming and the erosion.

Magnesium deficiency is also caused by the consumption of unhealthy foods instead of foods like seeds, nuts, dark leafy greens, mackerel, and beans, which are high in magnesium.

These are the most common symptoms of magnesium deficiency, which should never be ignored, in order to prevent other health complications:

Dizziness
Fatigue
Memory loss
Confusion
Liver and kidney disease
Difficulty swallowing
Calcium deficiency
Osteoporosis
Constipation
Hypoglycemia
Anxiety
Bowel disease
Cystitis
Muscle cramps
Depression
High blood pressure
Hypertension
Insomnia
Fertility/childbearing issues: Getting or staying pregnant, preterm labor, preeclampsia
Migraines
Asthma
Seizures
Potassium deficiency: which is manifested by fluid retention, extreme thirst, and irritability?
Tooth decay
Nausea
Blood clots
Reynaud’s syndrome, manifested by numbness in extremities, cold fingers or toes, color changes in skin due to temperature changes
Tremors
Type II diabetes
Personality changes: these symptoms are similar to symptoms of mood disorders like anxiety, and depression
Heart issues
Respiratory difficulties
To fix this issue, you need to consume more magnesium-rich foods, and you can even take some high-quality supplements.

Experts recommend MULTIpro as it is also high in biotin, zinc, vitamin B1, vitamin A, zinc, chromium, and iodine.

There are many drinks in this world. Some of them are good for our health others can destroy our life. One may then ask how can drinks destroy our life or how can it build our life? Which drinks are bad for health? you have to know first that today there are thousands of products that are processed and contain chemicals, preservatives and dyes. They are a big problem for our body because we are not prepared to digest such complex compounds.
When we drink different kinds of drinks or when we eat different types of fook,Our body takes a lot to do the digestion
For example: when we eat a salad we can ingest it in a maximum of two hours, while a hamburger takes up to three days inside us and in the end leaves residues that could not be consumed completely.

we can then illustrate what happens when we eat junk food every day , when we make a mixture of drinks and some other foods, when we take the mixture of different drinks, or even worse several times a day.
In this post, we will not focus on something more common and even more deadly, soft drinks. These products contain more than one factor that can affect us at health level and here we will tell you what they are. drinks every day, without even thinking about the side effects.

In fact, we all take drinks. We all take soda but there soda which are not good for our health when theye are taken with other drinks or other foods.
We all know that coca cola is a very harmful product, it is widely known that its composition is equivalent to more than thirty tablespoons of sugar per container, which is a serious problem for those who drink this excessively.
Too much sugar and glucose in our body can be the trigger for problems such as: hypertension, obesity, heart failure, arthritis, artery blockages and more. Which is no small thing to take into consideration.

You will have received all the sugar you need in a whole day when we consume a can of cola at ten minutes, which is a big impact for the body.At twenty minutes: The liver converts the sugar into fat.

At forty minutes: Glucose enters the blood, which increases blood pressure and your pupils dilate.
At forty-five minutes, you begin to produce dopamine and your heart rate accelerates.Taking into account these effects, we can deduce that in excess we could cause cardiac arrest very easily, which is no small thing.

Yes, this drink is very dangerous for you and it can cause serious side effects for your health in general. Ladies and gentlemen, we’re talking about the soda drinks. Unfortunately, a lot of people around the world drink soda
Many people know that sugary drinks are not good for their health, but still, this doesn’t change the fact that people in America consume an average of 57 gallons of soda per person. More than $75 billion worth of soda is still being purchased every year, leading to an increased risk of diabetes, obesity, tooth decay, heart disease and more.
Ladies and gentlemen, you won’t drink soda drinks after reading the information below! YES, you can trust me on that! When you drink a can of Cola, you will experience the following side effects:
o 10 minutes: 10 teaspoons of sugar will hit your system, which is 100% of your recommended daily intake.
o 20 minutes: Your blood sugar spikes, causing an insulin burst. Your liver responds to this by turning any sugar it can get its hands on into fat.
o 40 minutes: Caffeine absorption is complete. Your pupils dilate, your blood pressure rises, as a response your liver dumps more sugar into your bloodstream. The adenosine receptors in your brain are now blocked preventing drowsiness.
o 45 minutes: Your body ups your dopamine production stimulating the pleasure centers of your brain. NOTE: according to the experts, this is physically the same way heroin works.

Keeping white clothes perfectly white after every laundry is quite a challenge. Expensive detergents or stain removers won’t do the trick, plus they are packed with chemicals.

But, stains will no longer be your problem, because we will give you the easiest way of removing stains and keeping your laundry snowy white each time.

1. Baking soda

Dissolve a cup of baking soda in 4l of water, and soak in your clothes. This is the easiest way to do things right.

2. Aspirin

If your white dress has turned yellow or gray, it’s time to use your secret weapon.

Dissolve 6 crushed aspirins in some water. Soak in your clothes for half an hour, and wash them as you usually do. Enjoy wearing your perfectly white dress again.

3. Vinegar and lemon

The combination of vinegar and lemon juice is the most powerful stain remover you will ever use. Wash your clothes with this, and you will never ever see those ugly stains again. You will definitely love the citrusy smell on your clothes.

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer deaths (one in four) in both men and women. Treatment is more effective the earlier lung cancer is diagnosed, so see your doctor if you notice any of the following lung cancer symptoms.

Coughing up blood

“Coughing up blood is never a good sign. Right then and there, go see your doctor,” says Raja Flores, MD, professor and chairman of thoracic surgery at Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai in New York City. Although cancer may not necessarily be the cause of your bloody coughs, you should definitely get tested, he says.

Chest pain

Pay attention to chest, back, or shoulder pain that’s new and doesn’t go away. You may notice a feeling of tightness, or a sharp pain that can get worse with deep breathing, coughing, or laughing. “You feel pain where the tumour is located,” says Dr. Flores. “If the tumour is to the side, you’ll feel pain on your side. If it’s toward the back of the chest, you’ll feel pain in your back.” Any chest pain warrants a call to your doctor, just in case, he says. Chest pain can also be a sign of a heart attack.

A persistent cough

Coughing fits can be caused by something as simple as allergies, a cold, or water down the wrong pipe. But if your cough never seems to go away, it could be a sign of something more serious, like lung cancer. “Cancer in the airway can irritate your throat and make you cough,” says Dr. Flores. “There’s something in there that’s not supposed to be there, so your body is trying to get rid of it.” Cancer can also produce mucus, which exacerbates the cough and makes it worse.

Shortness of breath

If you’re suddenly winded after climbing the stairs, or your daily walk around the block leaves you gasping for breath, it could be a symptom of lung cancer. “Shortness of breath can come from a tumour blocking the windpipe. It can also stem from an accumulation of fluid in the chest that pushes on the lung and leaves you with a lack of air,” says Dr. Flores. When cancer forms in the lining of the lung, it causes fluid to build up in your chest; and although your chest can hold between three and four liters of fluid, when it completely fills up, the lungs are unable to get enough air, he says. Difficulty breathing when you’re sitting or lying down can also be a sign of a troublesome condition.

Feeling fatigued

If you feel rundown but haven’t made any changes to your daily routine, it could be a sign of cancer. “It may not specifically signal lung cancer, but it’s a definite red flag that something’s not right,” says Dr. Flores. Weight loss and loss of appetite is also a lung cancer sign, according to the American Cancer Society. Smoking, a family history of cancer, and asbestos exposure also increases your lung cancer risk.

An asthma diagnosis

Suffering from asthma by no means guarantees you’ll get lung cancer. However, if you’re diagnosed with asthma past childhood, it’s a good idea to get screened for lung cancer, says Dr. Flores. “It’s an unusual symptom, but it’s something to keep in the back of your mind if you’re a young adult or older and just got diagnosed with asthma,” he says. “Pulmonologists often listen to your lungs, hear wheezing, and treat it as asthma; but it’s a good idea to get a scan to make sure there’s not a tumour in there, which could be causing a blockage.”

Overall body pain

Since lung cancer often doesn’t present with symptoms until the later stages, it can go undiagnosed until it has spread to other parts of the body. Headaches, dizziness and balance problems, or numbness in the limbs may mean the cancer has spread to the brain or spinal cord. Yellowing of the skin and eyes could be a sign it has spread to the liver, and lumps on the body could mean the disease has spread to the skin or lymph nodes, according to the American Cancer Society.