Estimated reading time: 3 minutes
Lung cancer is a serious disease that can significantly affect our bodies, especially the respiratory system. The respiratory system is our body’s main way of taking in oxygen and getting rid of carbon dioxide. In this blog, we’ll learn how how lung cancer impacts the respiratory system, the circulatory system, and common symptoms that patients face.
What is the respiratory system?
The primary function of our respiratory system is to breathe oxygen in and breathe carbon dioxide out. It essentially filters out anything that shouldn't be absorbed into our bodies.
Our lungs are the largest organ in our respiratory system. In addition to our lungs, the respiratory system is also made up of our airways (trachea, bronchi and bronchioles), diaphragm, voice box, throat, nose and mouth. Our respiratory system is also supported by surrounding muscles and blood vessels.
How does lung cancer affect the respiratory system?
As cancerous cells in the lung divide and multiply, they form a tumor, eventually becoming lung cancer. These tumors can grow inside the airways and narrow the passage way, making it difficult to get enough oxygen into the body. When this happens, the respiratory system can't work properly and often causes noticeable symptoms.
Shortness of breath
Experiencing shortness of breath is common when living with lung cancer. The tumors impact the respiratory system when they spread into the airways and the chest wall. Other symptoms that often occur include:
Fluid buildup: For some people living with lung cancer, they might experience buildup around the lungs, making it difficult to take a full breath and get enough oxygen into the lungs.
Low levels of oxygen in the blood: Lung cancer can decrease red blood cells, which help transport oxygen from the lungs up to the heart and the rest of the body. When oxygen levels are low, it's harder to take a full breath of air.
How does lung cancer impact the circulatory system?
Like the respiratory system, the circulatory system plays a crucial role in supporting various organs throughout our body. Also known as the cardiovascular system, the circulatory system is responsible for transporting blood, oxygen, and nutrients to every part of the body. The circulatory system works with the respiratory system by moving the blood to and from the lungs.
Lung cancer can significantly affect the circulatory system when cancerous cells from the lungs enter the bloodstream, spreading to lymph nodes, kidneys, liver, and other organs. This process is known as metastasis, indicating that the cancer has advanced beyond its original site.
If you're experiencing any new symptoms, we advise you to talk with your doctor. You can find more information about lung cancer here. Be sure to stop by for more advice and questions. We're here to support you!